In furtherance of the Cross River State Government’s commitment to fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Hon. Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, on the 27th of September, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Police Officers’ Wives Association Cross River State Chapter (POWA) at their Secretariat, Airport Police Station, Calabar.
The visit was a testament to His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of gender-sensitive policies and the empowerment of women across all strata of society, a legacy proudly shared by his esteemed wife, Her Excellency Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, whose impactful work in women and youth development has earned widespread commendation.
Hon. Bassey-Duke was warmly received by Mrs. Julia Augustine Grimah, the President of POWA Cross River State Chapter and wife of the Commissioner of Police Cross River State, alongside other executive members of the association. In her remarks, Hon. Bassey-Duke reiterated that the purpose of the visit was to familiarize herself with POWA, strengthen partnerships, and explore collaborative efforts between the Department of Gender Mainstreaming and POWA. The focus of this partnership is to promote gender equality and advance the economic empowerment of police officers’ wives within Cross River State.
Mrs. Grimah, in her response, appreciated the visit and highlighted some of the key challenges faced by members of the association, including limited access to financial resources, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. She shared insights into some efforts made since her tenure to address these concerns, but noted the pressing need for greater institutional support.
The discussions centered around possible strategies to uplift and empower police officers’ wives, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to collaborating on initiatives that will promote gender equality and improve the socio-economic standing of POWA members. The meeting was fruitful, culminating in the establishment of a formal relationship between the Department of Gender Mainstreaming and POWA.
The successful visit further underscores the Cross River State Government’s dedication, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, and the invaluable support of Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, to ensure that no woman is left behind in the pursuit of gender equality and empowerment.
In attendance were members of the POWA Executive, as well as members of the SA Gender Mainstreaming team, including Mrs. Comfort Kabiru, Mrs. Nkechi Otu, Mrs. Victoria Eyo, Mrs. Fatima Yusuf, Mrs. Grace-Womi Otu, and others.
