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Tag: #Linda Ayade

  • Linda Ayade Offers Free Medical Outreach At Obudu German Specialist Hospital

    Linda Ayade Offers Free Medical Outreach At Obudu German Specialist Hospital

     

    The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade, through her Mediatrix Development Foundation in partnership with Faith Care International has organized a Free Medical Outreach in Obudu. Doctors and medical personnel arrived from all over the country Friday night ahead of the commencement of the outreach on Saturday, 26th to Wednesday, 30th November, 2022.

    The outreach which is to run for 5 days is taking place in the recently completed state-of-the-art Obudu German Specialist Hospital and has drawn massive crowds from Obudu and neighboring LGAs. Free services being offered range from eye and dental care, consultation, laboratory services to surgeries.

    Over the last 7 years, Dr. Ayade has continued to provide these free medical services to Cross Riverians and saving them huge financial expenditure. Speaking at the outreach, Mr. Jeffery Adamade, the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, praised the turnout and said that over 30 successful surgeries had already been carried out just halfway through the outreach. He said the Obudu outreach was one of about 10 medical outreaches organized by MDF in the state. He said this year alone, the organization has held outreaches in Abi, Odukpani, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo and Obudu. The outreach to Akamkpa and Akpabuyo were held in the remote areas of the LGAs and lasted for a stretch of 17 days.

    He applauded the commitment of the Governor’s wife to the health initiative while stating that her determination to help the sick across the state was no surprise given that saving lives was her lifelong passion. Through this initiative, thousands of Cross Riverians have been saved the headache of looking for money or even losing their lives while seeking finances for medicare.

  • Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    By Elijah Ugani

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has released the plan for a mega free medical outreach in partnership with Faith Care International.

    A release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix, Mr Jeffrey Adamade, indicates that the 5-day medical outreach which is to commence on November 26th to November 30th 2022, will be held at Obudu German Specialist Hospital.

    The release further requests members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to access medical services.
    The services to be rendered during the outreach will include surgery, dental care, laboratory services, consultation.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has continued to partner with Faith Care International to stage this medical outreach in Cross River State since 2016. Previous outreaches were held in Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom, Ugep, Itigidi, Odukpani and Calabar South.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation is a pet project of the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, who sits on the board as President.

  • Linda Ayade Congratulates Rev Fr Philip Obasi On His 10th Priestly Anniversary

    Linda Ayade Congratulates Rev Fr Philip Obasi On His 10th Priestly Anniversary

    By Margaret Asikong

    Wife of Cross River State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade has congratulated Rev. Fr. Philip Onyedikachi Obasi of Catholic Church of Ascension Parish, Nyaghasang on the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination.

    Speaking recently during the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Rev. Fr. Philip Obasi and Fund Raising for the completion of the new church building, which was held at Government Primary School Nyaghasang, the Governor’s wife expressed thanks to all, especially the dignitaries present, including members of her entourage for honouring Rev. Fr. Philip by coming to felicitate with him on his 10th Priestly anniversary.

    According to her, it has been 10 years of unswerving sacrifice and dogged devotion to truth and piety, adding that, serving as a priest in the body of Christ is indeed a privilege that entails mediating between the people and the Lord. She therefore prayed God to bless the continuous labour of Rev. Fr. Philip, as well, as reward his good works, while thanking him for his patience, impartial leadership which has impacted the lives of Gods people for the past 10 years.

    Dr. Ayade used the occasion to thank all those who contributed in cash and kind towards the new church building project and pledged her financial support to ensure that the building is completed by God’s grace. She appealed to government officials to ensure that the road leading to the church of Ascension which is in a very bad condition is being worked on as there is need for a good road to convey the building materials to the church premises.

    In his homily from Exodus 17:5-13 and 2 Timothy 3:14, 4:2, Rev. Fr. Cletus of Ikot Ansa Parish, enjoined all to be persistent in prayers in order to live victorious Christian lives, adding that, there are some battles that cannot be won on the field except on the knees, hence the need for them to be consistent in prayers, for with God nothing shall be impossible.

    Rev. Fr. Cletus further admonished all to be rooted in the word of God, living in obedience to his word, as this will bring blessings to their lives amongst other things and prayed God to bless Rev. Fr. Philip, enlarge his coast, as well as grant him more grace to carry on with the work of God in his priestly office.
    In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Lands, Prof. John Inyang and that of Local Government Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Odey-Ekpo amongst other dignitaries, also learnt their voices to congratulate the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Philip Obasi, commending him for his good works, while praying God’s blessing upon him, adding that he has been a blessing to many within and outside the Catholic Church. They used the occasion to pledge their support to the completion of the new church building by donating towards the building project.

    In his remark, the Chairman, Boki Local Government Council, Pastor John Ewa, who was the Chairman of the occasion, expressed appreciation to Rev. Fr. Philip Obasi for the honour done him in inviting him to his thanksgiving mass, as well as giving him the privilege of being the Chairman of the day. He described the celebrant as a special vessel and an anointed servant of God.

    According to him, their relationship started 2 years ago in Calabar in a prayer meeting and it has grown till date and admonished all to give their best to the Lord for all his blessings and mercies over their lives, while calling on them to support the ongoing project of completing the new church building of the church of Ascension, Nyaghasang for God will never forget their labour of love.

    On his part, the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Philip Obasi CSSR, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for his love, mercies and grace upon his life for the past 10 years and for the gift of the Sacred Priesthood. He stated that the hand of God has been upon him since his ordination in Lagos as a Catholic Priest from September 30th, 2012 till date, Inspite of all his pitfalls as a human being, adding that, everything about him has been very special.

    He thanked the wife of the State Governor, dignitaries, friends, well-wishers and parishioners for finding time to come and celebrate God’s faithfulness upon his life as a priest for the past 10 years and prayed God to bless all present as well as replenish all those who contributed in cash and kind to the success of the thanksgiving celebration/fund raising.

    Rev. Fr. Philip disclosed that as part of the thanksgiving mass, a 5-day mega crusade was being organized by the church and thanked God for his visitation upon them. He maintained that the essence of the celebration is to give all the glory to God. According to him, all the proceeds from the anniversary thanksgiving mass will be given back to the church for the building project.

    Highlights at the event included; thanksgiving mass in honour of Rev. Fr. Philip Obasi, good will messages, cutting of anniversary cake, group photographs, fund raising, amongst others.

  • Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    By Elijah Ugani

    The wife of the Cross River State Governor and the Founder of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Dr. Linda Ayade has restated her commitment to providing humanitarian services to Cameroonian Refugees in the state through her pet project.

    She made the commitment today, October 20th 2022 when she visited the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele.

    In her words “As part of Mediatrix mandate to provide succor to vulnerable people in the society, and having partnered with other sister UN agencies to implement other projects, we are particularly very pleased for this partnership because we are serving humanity by providing livelihood support for the refugee. Putting smiles on the faces of the refugees gives us joy and we are committed more than ever as we move into the next phase of the implementation”

    She commended the coordination of UNHCR in providing support for the Refugees in the state, and used the opportunity to present the Kisime Noodles to the Head of Sub Office, Ogoja.

    On her part, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong acknowledged the partnership that had existed between UNHCR and the Cross River State Government, and noted that, government will continue to provide the necessary support needed for the smooth and peaceful coexistence between the Refugees and the host community members.

    Asibong stated that Cross River State hosts about 70 percent of the total refugees in Nigeria, and having Mediatrix in the forefront providing series of interventions for the vulnerable before the Cameroonian Refugees situation.

    She reiterated government position to give Mediatrix and the UNHCR the needed support to ensure delivery of its mandate in the livelihood intervention

    The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Princewill Ayim, commended the collaboration between the state government and UNHCR.

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office Mr. Tesfaye Bekele, thanked the wife of the Governor for finding time out of her crowded schedules to visit him.

    He commended the support of the state government to UNHCR by providing the land for Cameroonian Refugees as well as providing the needed security.

    He maintained that communication needs to be strengthened going forward and stated that the partnership between UNHCR and Mediatrix have been very rewarding.

    Others present during the visit was the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Mr Jeffrey Adamade and the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting Officer, Mr Olamide Onifade.

  • Linda Ayade Flags Off Activities To Mark 2022 World Sight Day, Calls For Proper Attention To The Eyes

    Linda Ayade Flags Off Activities To Mark 2022 World Sight Day, Calls For Proper Attention To The Eyes

     

    The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade has called on Cross Riverians to pay attention to their eyes, as the state joins the global community to mark the 2022 World Sight Day celebration, which is marked on every second Thursday of the month in October with this year’s event falling on the 13th of October 2022.

    With an encouraging theme to “Love your eyes”, Dr Linda Ayade counselled that Cross Riverians need to eliminate every risks that can cause both temporary or permanent damages to their eyes which is the frame way to the body and the world.

    Flagging off the occasion of the World Sight Day in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade who was represented by rhe Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong called for priority be given to the eyes just like mental, gynaecological, cardiac and other major organs are treated with priority.

    According to Dr Linda Ayade, the timeliness of this year’s theme cannot be over emphasized as more people are loosing their sights daily due to negligence and preventable causes.

    She said, the common eye challenges seen amongst Cross Riverians include Cataract, glachoma, refractive errors and retinopathy due to diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension and and some personal choice lifestyles which have been attributed to the rising causes of blindness across the globe, either partial or total as recorded by the World health Organization, and it is on the basis of rescuing the challenging eye health indices and alarming figure, that the Cross River State Government established the state eye care programme in Calabar with some other extension services at the grassroot to check common eyes defects and offer referral services when need arises.

    She said the state government will continue to promote eye care services especially in the rural areas through community outreaches and proper referral as she acknowledged partners such as the Mediatrix Development foundation who have supported the state in reaching out to the aged in many rural Communities.

    In her welcome address, the Director of the Cross River State Eye care programme Dr Luna Said, judging by global indices of having close to 300 million people suffering from various eyes defects, over 90% are avoidable and treatable hence the need to foster awareness on the common preventive approaches to blindness.

    She said the Cross River State Eye Care programme has offered thousands of corrective surgeries since it’s establishment with little or no cost to the patient, an act she said is phenomenal for the eradication of blindness and commendable to the Government.

    In his response, Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara called for a routine eye check for every individual to check for abnormalities before it amounts into complications.

    He said the ministry will partner with the Primary Healthcare Agency to ensure that, mush referrals are sent to Calabar for surgical procedures and advises.

    The event gave oppurtunity for hundreds of people to check their eyes for any form of eyes defects and advice on the possible ways of keeping the eyes healthier.
    Tge event also featured goodwill messages from the Director of Administration SMOH, Barr John Odu and other staff of the state eye program.

  • Linda Ayade Calls For Continued Prioritization Of Nutrition In Cross River State

    Linda Ayade Calls For Continued Prioritization Of Nutrition In Cross River State

    By Margaret Asikong MOI Officer 

    Wife of Cross River State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade has called on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as partners to come together and increase awareness geared towards the prioritization of nutrition, while fostering collaborations that will mobilize resources to help tackle malnutrition in the state.

    Dr. Ayade made the call recently at the Diamond Ball Room, Transcorp Hotel, Calabar during a one day high level engagement meeting and policy dialogue with key stake holders on investment in maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition in Cross River State, which was organized by United Nation International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with CRS Planning Commission and State Committee on Food and Nutrition.

    Dr. Ayade who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Bakassi LGA and President of Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), Eti-Eka (Mrs) Lawrencia Ita, said that the theme for the event which is Harnessing optimal Developmental Potentials of Cross River Children and adolescents through investment in Maternal, Infant, Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition, is very apt as people all over the world are suffering from various forms of malnutrition such as; life-threatening hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, low calories intake and obesity, with over 45% of under-five mortality as a result of malnutrition.

    She stated that another measure of chronic malnutrition which is of huge concern in the state is stunting, adding that 1 out of every 5 (189,160) children under five years in CRS is stunted (shorter than the expected height for their age), while only 24% initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
    She maintained that the urgency for nutrition improvement is a necessity for sustainable development and that it is pertinent for states to promote, as well as sustain investments that will address the drivers of malnutrition, especially inappropriate feeding practices, poor stewardship and policy implementation.

    She further stated that the state has over the years employed measures to address issues of malnutrition, food insecurity and poverty such as; the inauguration of the State Council of Nutrition (SCN), which is in line with National Policy on Food and Nutrition; implementation of high impact interventions and programmes like; maternal newborn and child week, breast feeding week, agricultural/food programme, women empowerment and other nutrition focused programmes across the state, as well as ensuring free health care services to pregnant women and children under five through the Ayade care scheme, amongst others.

    Dr. Ayade opined that through the office of the wife of the Governor and SCN, they are committed to promote the public private partnership in nutrition which will galvanize resources to empower women, improve nutrition, amongst others.
    She used the occasion to express thanks to UNICEF, State House of Assembly, SCN, Ministries and Agencies for their support in improving nutrition in the state.

    In his welcome remarks, the SPC Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Vice Chairman Dr. Francis Ntamu expressed appreciation to all present especially the speaker, CRSHA, RT Hon. Eteng Williams, House Committee Chairman, Executive members, key stakeholders, Unicef and other partners for finding time to be part of the event and for all their support . According to him, the focus of the State Government is on human capital development and is glad that the gathering will give them the opportunity to review necessary procedures, actions and strategies ranging from polices that can activate result with specific regard to maternal, infant and young children as it relates to nutrition, amongst others.

    In her remarks, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe-Chilemba used the occasion to thank all the participants present as well as the state government for the effective collaboration with UNICEF in organizing the meeting, which according to her, reflects the commitment of the state government and partners to ensuring that the maternal and nutrition health of mothers/children in CRS is achieved, adding that UNICEF is committed to partnering with CRS, as well as other relevant partners and stakeholders in achieving the global development agenda.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Surv. Dr. Gertrude Nnanjar Njar, thanked UNICEF for their unrelenting and continuous multi-sectorial technical and financial support over time, especially as it concerns children and other vulnerable groups in CRS, while also expressing thanks to other donor partners and stakeholders for their support and good works towards attaining sustainable development and growth, adding that the importance of nutrition for all categories of persons cannot be over emphasized especially for infants and young children.

    In the same vein, the Director-General, CRS Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, said that they will continue to do their best to ensure that children have access to micro nutrients that will help them come out of malnutrition and that integration of nutrition is their watchword in all their programmes, for they will continue to strongly advocate for investment in maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition amongst others.

    Highlights at the event included; goodwill messages from the Speaker, CRSHA, representative of the Chief Judge of CRS, members of the State Executive Council and Partners, panel discussion/policy dialogue, group photographs, amongst others.

  • Linda Ayade Flags Off Health Symposium, Seek To End Malnutrition Scourge In Cross River State

    Linda Ayade Flags Off Health Symposium, Seek To End Malnutrition Scourge In Cross River State

     

    According to global indices, over 2 million children under the ages of 5 are currently suffering from “Severe Acute Malnutrition” with only a privileged 2 out of every 10 opportuned to be receiving treatment for this life threatening situation.

    malnutrition continue to be a major cause of death and ill health, as it contributes to over 45% of under-five mortality. Another measure of chronic malnutrition which is of great concern is stunting. It is indeed a huge concern that in Cross River State 1 out of every 5 (189,160) children under-five years in the State is stunted (shorter than the expected height for their age), while only 24% initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.

    With this said figures, Nigeria is said to account for the second highest prevalence rate of children with stunted growth globally with a further scary projection of a worsen figure if authorities don’t develop formidable policies to address this issue.

    On a benchmark of accurately reducing malnutrition and delibrately exonerating Cross River State from adding to the nation’s Scarry figures, Government agencies, the private sector and some agencies of the united nations have met in Calabar, the Cross River State capital to buy into the newly developed policy framework seeking more actions against Malnutrition among infants and young children in the state.

    The Cross River State Planning Commission on food and nutrition in conjunction with United Nation System and United Nation’s International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has formally charted a formidable avenue on investment in Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition in the State.

    Wife of the state Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade while declaring the symposium open said Malnutrition has been a challenge to the health of many especially the vulnerable in the society.

    Dr Ayade who was represented by Hon Mrs Lawrencia Ita said , the need to invest resources in the fight against malnutrition cannot be over emphasized as she likened malnutrition to a pandemic which if not well managed, could affect the well being of the child.

    She also harped on the need to increase health sector and other ministries budget, while calling on the line MDAs to ensure nutrition is captured in their budget.

    She also implicated poverty as a major cause of malnutrition and highlighted some of the measures and innovations His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade has brought in, such as employment, empowerment of women and youth, among others.

    She further stated that tackling malnutrition is a collective effort as she called on the involvement of private sector.
    She reiterated Government’s commitment to tackle malnutrition, through various health interventions as well as investing in the health sector.

    In his remarks Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Eteng Williams assured the representatives of unifying partners of a robust cooperation and contribution between them and the State Legislative arm of Government , pointing out that the issue would be prominently captured in subsequent budgets .

    In an address, the Director-General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong expressed optimism and excitement for the various roles played by key drivers in ensuring the actualization of the set goals.

    She acknowledged the danger faced by the vulnerable children, stressing that they deserve adequate attention in order to ensure a better future free from incessant life-threatening scourge even as she charged NGOs and MDAs not to only see the dialogue as a continuum but incorporate nutrition in their budget so as to inform futuristic relevance and safety.

    Dr. Ekpenyong who enumerated poverty, eating of unbalanced meals among others as the major causes attributable to malnutrition, noted that when stakeholders key into the State government’s policy on food and nutrition, the envisaged set goals, multiplier effect/benefits would be speedily achieved.

    She reiterated the state government commitment to tackle malnutrition by ensuring full implementation of the policy and health campaigns such as Maternal newborn and child Health week and other programmes to mitigate malnutrition issues.

    On her part, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong disclosed that a child with an unbalanced diet is prone to stunted growth as such nutritional dieting remain the only panacea to a healthy life and Nation building.
    She lauded UNICEF for their support, describing it as worthwhile.

    In her reaction, the UNICEF Enugu field office , Ms Maria
    thanked all and sundry for a proper dialogue expressing confidence that the workshop would afford drivers and beneficiaries to harness the knowledge gain on their respective MDAS and NGOs.
    She pledged UNICEF unwavering support to the state while appealing for more investment to sustain the gains made.

    The Chief economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr Francis Ntamu, who was also the convener thanked Her Excellency, the Honourable speaker and other dignitaries for their commitment and promises to ensure full implementation of the state nutritional framework as it will guide our efforts towards ending malnutrition in the state.
    The event also featured panel discussions by dignitaries, Technocrats, the academia and top government functionaries including the deputy leader and chairman House Committee on education, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong, the chairman Committee on gender, Rt Hon Maria Akwaji, the perm secretary Smoh , Dr Iwara Iwara amongst others.

  • Inyang Asibong Dedicates Her Fellowship In Community Medicine To Governor Ben Ayade, And Her Senior Colleague, Dr Linda Ayade

    Inyang Asibong Dedicates Her Fellowship In Community Medicine To Governor Ben Ayade, And Her Senior Colleague, Dr Linda Ayade

     

    The Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, has passed the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) Fellowship Examination with flying colours.

    With this, Asibong is now a Medical Consultant and a Fellow of the Prestigious West African College of Physicians, the highest Examination body recognized in the Medicine and Surgery cadre. She is also now a Fellow of Community Medicine.

    Dr Asibong, a former commissioner for Health, who dedicated the result to her boss, Governor Ben Ayade and wife said she passed the examination on the day the Governor secured his victory at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    “The Lord has been really good to me and my wonderful Boss, and I dedicate my fellowship in Community Medicine to His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, and my senior colleague, Dr Linda Ayade” she explained.

    She thanked everyone who contributed to making this dream come true.

    Established in 1960, the West African College of Physicians is a professional organization that promotes education, training, examinations and research in Medicine in Africa.The college is the first organization to organize Medical subspecialty training in the region. It awards fellowships in Medicine following rigorous training and Examinations and is one out of two bodies that accredits institutions to train Medical Resident Doctors in West African member countries.

  • Linda Ayade Joins Ministry Of Women Affairs To Commemorate 2022 IWD In Calabar

    Linda Ayade Joins Ministry Of Women Affairs To Commemorate 2022 IWD In Calabar

    By Margaret Asikong

    The wife of Cross River State Governor, Lady Dr Linda Ayade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA), have joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day (IWD) recently in Calabar, with the theme: “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

    Speaking at the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hope Waddel Avenue, Calabar, the venue for the celebration, the First Lady of the State, DrAyade said that it is an honour for her to be in the company of many amazing women on the special occasion of celebrating womanhood and reviewing their progress in the fight for freedom from stereotypes and discrimination that has gone on for many years.

    She stated that the theme for 2022 IWD focuses on breaking the bias against women and that they want a world where their uniqueness as women is valued as well as celebrated rather than for it to be opposed, despised and ignored, adding that they want a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, amongst others.

    She maintained that it is in pursuit of these goals that the UN Women aptly chose the theme for 2022 IWD.
    According to the Governor’s wife “Our society is better off when women get the opportunities they deserve. Our society has been deprived of certain advancements as a result of the woman being denied leadership opportunity and for many years this has been the status quo”, adding that, “Our plight as women in Nigeria is largely in our hands and whatever path we choose to follow will determine our ultimate end”.

    Dr. Linda Ayade lamented that among the sixty-eight proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution that members of the National Assembly had to vote on recently, only one out of the five gender equality bills passed, while the other four failed, adding that, about 95% men voted against some of the constitutional amendments that women want, such as; the right for a women to take indigene-ship of her husband’s state after five years of marriage, 35% affirmative action for women in party administration and leadership; 35% appointed positions to be reserved for women, specific seats to be allocated for women in the National Assembly and the right for a Nigerian woman to grant her foreign-born husband Nigerian Citizenship, yet, according to her, a Nigerian man’s foreign-born wife gets automatic citizenship.

    She maintained that having women in leadership position should become the norm and not the exception as many women have reached the apex of business conglomerates and banking institutions, while many seat on decision-making boards across the country and that excluding the woman from leadership positions is to exclude half of the country’s population from exercising their inherent talents and abilities. She however expressed joy that CRS is taking the lead in the political empowerment for women, with abundance of women at every strategic position in the state such as; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Commissioner, Special Adviser, Director-General, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Councilors, adding that, the narrative has changed, they have been strong in their fight for emancipation.
    She called on CRS women to become mentors to the younger generation that their daughters can look up to, teaching them by example to be assertive and also respectful; visionary, contented, hardworking and submissive to their husbands, amongst others, while applauding the women who have taken the bull by the horn on building a sustainable future for the young women.

    Lady Dr Ayade stated that her pledge to continue reaching women and the vulnerable in every LGA in the state with livelihood support and health inputs is real and that she has continued to redeem this across the state through the many activities and interventions of her NGOs – the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) and Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI).

    She used the occasion to express thanks to the organizations whose invaluable partnership has made their work impactful in various communities in Cross River and beyond such as; the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN women, UNFPA, Lafarge Africa, United Purpose, amongst others, while also expressing thanks to all present, especially the women of CRS for their support, as she looks forward to achieving a gender-balanced CRS with their support and wished all a happy women’s day.

    Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Mrs. Tina Banku Agbor said that the IWD is a special day to celebrate themselves as women not as men. According to her, a house without a woman looks different and is not complete, for the woman’s role is complementary, while admonishing the men to allow the women to be equal even in leadership position, for with a woman they can always sleep with their eyes closed, adding that, the women are capable of discharging their duties and assigned responsibilities effectively and efficiently and will not betray the men, amongst other things.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Surv. Dr. Gertrude Nnanjah Njar, on behalf of the entire staff of CRS Ministry of Women Affairs welcomed the wife of the State Governor and members of her entourage, as well as distinguished guests, the women of CRS and all present to the 2022 IWD.

    According to her, the MOWA is the hub of great activities in the Ayade-led administration with its mandate to cater for the women and children and that it has gone to the level of catering for the men as well as they are part of the women and society, hence the less traffic of complaints to the Office if the Wife of the Governor.
    She maintained that March 8, is always a great day for the women and girls internationally and that the women of CRS are joining their counterparts globally for the celebration of the great day set aside for women since 1917 after the Soviet-Russia women protest for the right to vote and be voted for, while lamenting that 105 years later, the women are still agitating for gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow.

    Surv. Dr. Gertrude Njar stated that women have strategic objectives and goals especially to groom leaders for tomorrow; create more successful entrepreneurs; create employment and wealth for women and girls, connect communities and build an ecosystem where everyone will connect digitally, share knowledge, as well as build communities for the future.

    In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon (Mrs) Esther Bassey, her counterpart in Odukpani LGA, Ntukai Hon (Mrs) Justina Edem and the Vice Chairman of Bakassi LGA and President of CROWEI, Eti-Eka Lawrencia Ita (JP) also lend their voices to congratulated all the women who have excelled in their chosen fields and expressed appreciation to Lady Dr Ayade and her dear husband for ensuring that many women are being brought into the Ayade-led administration , adding that, it is high time they showcase their God given talents, amongst other things.

    Highlights at the event included; presentation of award to Dr Linda Ayade, award of prizes to the winners of the march past, with Odukpani LGA taking the 1st position, Calabar South, 2nd position and Calabar Municipality taking the 3rd position respectively; goodwill messages, from UNFPA, NIDF, GADA, FIDA, MWA, CCCRN, NCF, GPI, amongst other partners, cultural displays, group photographs, amongst others.

  • Women Have A Right To Vote And Be Voted For – Linda Ayade

    Women Have A Right To Vote And Be Voted For – Linda Ayade

    By Margaret Asikong —-MOI Office

    Office of the Wife of the Governor.

    The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade has said that women have a right to vote and be voted for in elections, as they can serve on boards and hold the highest offices in the land, as well as contribute in the decision- making process that will ultimately affect the people, families and communities.

    Dr. Ayade stated this recently at the Municipal Dome, Calabar Municipal Headquarters, during a symposium tagged New Voices Symposium, with the theme: “Leadership and Family Values in Women and Youth”, organized by the New Voices of the Lions Club International, District 404 A2.
    In her Keynote address on the topic: “Women in Political Leadership”, Dr. Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Survey. Dr. Gertrude Nanja Nja, said that women in Political leadership is a subject that has gained increasing interest in today’s world where women continue to be marginalized and left out of the political equation.

    According to her, when her husband, Senator Ben Ayade became the Governor of CRS, she initiated two pet projects—The Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), with its focus on development and the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), in order to achieve political goals including women participation in politics. She disclosed that, MDF has won ongoing partnerships with several UN agencies including; United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Embassy (UN Embassy), Larfarge, First Ladies Against Cancer, amongst other partners. She stated that “with all these partners we are able to carry out various impactful interventions in the areas of health, education and sustainable livelihoods, amongst the less privileges and vulnerable in our society”.

    The Governor’s wife maintained that CROWEI was set up with the strategic objective of fighting for the political emancipation of women both in the urban and rural parts of CRS and has a simple leadership structure that boasts of membership in every ward of the 18 LGAs of the state, thereby making it easy to mobilize women in every community whenever there is a responsibility, as well as an opportunity for them, adding that women are making dramatic gains in electoral politics worldwide with some of them becoming Presidents and Prime Ministers of nations.

    She lamented the situation where Nigeria as a country continues to record low participation of women in both elective and appointive positions after 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 till date, with the average of women’s political participation remaining at 6.7 percent in elective/ appointive positions, while citing an instance where out of 43 ministerial appointments by the Federal Government, only 7 are women and that currently there are only 7 women out of 109 senators and 22 women out of 360 House of Representatives members.

    She said that CRS is changing the status quo by surpassing the recommended 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive public service positions, with CROWEI being responsible for the emergence of many women as, Commissioners, Council Chairmen, Special Advisers, Director-Generals, Chairmen of Boards, Councilors, amongst others and that if a woman is not the state Governor in 2023, a woman should be the Deputy Governor.
    Dr. Ayade lauded the efforts of Lions Club in carrying out extensive humanitarian services all over the world, focusing on areas that she is interested in and has made contributions in, such as; sight screening, donation of glasses to patients in need, cancer screening and provision of free drugs to patients, empowering the needy and less privileged in the communities, amongst others.

    She expressed thanks to the Lions Club International for the honour done her in recognizing her for an award.
    In her welcome remarks, the District Governor of Lions Club International, Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi used the occasion to welcome all present, especially the wife of the Governor, while commending her for the good works she is doing in the state through her NGOs. According to her, Lions Club is a humanitarian service organization and enumerated some of their achievements in CRS to include; building a diabetic center in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), eye theatre in General Hospital, Calabar, building an E-library in the state library, carrying out free eye screening, screened 5,000 Cross Riverians on diabetes. She said that their focus in year 2022 is on diabetes, while disclosing that they are currently building an ultra-modern diabetic center in Ogoja and appealed to CRS government to support the project which has reached roofing stage and will be commissioned in April.

    Speaking on the topic “Women Empowerment through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), the Commissioner for Commerce, Barr, (Mrs.) RoseMary Archibong, said that to be a leader one must have capacity to solve the problems of others both financially and otherwise. According to her, MSME constitute the engine room for economic growth in the society and that they are beneficial to the economy for they create jobs. She admonished women to endeavor to make themselves permanent projects to their husbands and avoid losing their relevance, adding that they should be resilient and not give up on themselves due to the environment, while not neglecting the God factor as He is the multiplier and the one that gives good success.

    Highlights at the event included; presentation of an Award of Excellence to Dr. Ayade for her exceptional leadership and being a role model to the women, decoration of the Governor’s wife and her representative as automatic members of the Lions Club International by the Area Director of Lions Club International, Lion Sam Etuk, group photographs, amongst others.