At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF) advocated for enhanced women’s economic empowerment, recognizing its transformative impact on self-sufficiency, national participation and women’s protection rights. This initiative aligns with global efforts to promote women’s empowerment and improve opportunities for Nigerian women.
The special session, held at the Westin New York Grand Central, focused on ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment’ with the aim of eliminating human rights violations and implementing the Nigerian National Women Empowerment Policy and Action Plan to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), end child marriage and address interconnected human rights issues affecting millions of Nigerian girls and women.
Introduced in 2023, the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy and Action Plan (WEE-PAP) provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing their well-being, eliminating gender-based disparities and promoting equal access to economic resources.
Reverend Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Cross River State governor, was honored with the coveted UNESCO ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her contributions to promoting human rights, sustainable development, peace and cooperation.
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Upon receiving the award, Mrs. Otu, accompanied by Dr Inyang Asibong and Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, expressed gratitude to the UNESCO team for the esteemed recognition. She also commended the Cross River State government and the NGSF for its commitment to empowering women and fostering their development, aligning with her own advocacy efforts.
Key stakeholders who converged at the session were governors of Plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Niger states. Federal Executive Council members, including Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, and Hon. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. Other notable attendees were Dr. Abdullateef Shittu Director-General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Mr. Osazu Igbinedion, TOS Group CEO, and African Malaria Champion and Botswana’s former Minister for Health. The gathering brought together influential voices to drive meaningful discussions.
The session was made possible through the support of key partners like the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum, UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, and some Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
