The Cross River State Government, through the Office of the Special Assistant on Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke, has enable Cross River State join the Global Alliance for Care as the only state in the country, which has made the State gain international recognition in advancing gender-inclusive development.
In her opening remarks, Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke warmly welcomed dignitaries to the inauguration of the Cross River State Technical Working Group on Care Policy Development a process that began in 2023.
“Today marks a defining moment in our collective journey to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work while building a more inclusive and gender-responsive Cross River State,” she said.
Bassey-Duke emphasized that the Technical Working Group would bring together passionate stakeholders whose expertise will guide the creation of a comprehensive care policy that values every contribution and strengthens the social and economic fabric of the state. She expressed appreciation to Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Otu, for her visionary leadership, and to UN Women Nigeria for their continued partnership and support.
In her welcome address, Hon. Mercy Akpama, Member representing Yakurr II Constituency, commended the First Lady’s efforts in supporting care initiatives. She called for greater recognition of women’s unpaid care work and urged the state to prioritize the implementation of the care law, which she has been advocating in the House of Assembly.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Obol Dr. Rita Eteng expressed gratitude to the Governor’s wife, UN Women, and the facilitator for making the event possible. She reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for the Care Policy Working Group to effectively carry out its mandate.
Speaking on behalf of UN Women, Aisha Bello lauded the First Lady’s leadership and the dedication of Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke in sustaining Cross River State’s position within the Global Alliance for Care. Bello highlighted previous trainings held for stakeholders in Calabar and shared key statistics illustrating the national importance of care policy implementation.
She noted that adopting a comprehensive care policy would improve citizens’ well-being and boost the state’s economic performance.
In her response, Her Excellency, Apostle Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Edet Otu, commended the quality of representation and charged the newly inaugurated Technical Working Group to approach their task with zeal and commitment.
This inauguration should not just end here,” she said. “We must ensure every member is well-equipped to deliver a policy that truly supports caregivers and benefits our people
