By Justina Auta
MRS EDNA Azura has emerged as the new National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azura will complete the two-year tenure of the late Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, who died on June 5, 2024 after a brief illness.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while inaugurating Mrs Azura as the new National President of NCWS, urged her to be just and fair in discharging her responsibilities for the benefits of women nationwide.
“Together we can achieve so much in this country. Since women are leading in many sectors, there is no reason why we cannot make women do more for the country.
“We will contribute to the progress and development of the country by providing access to markets and finance. We will protect our women and our children and give them all the support they need.
“We will strengthen our response to child development and protection. The vulnerable will be looked after and well-protected,” she said.
On the women empowerment initiative, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that it would support women in the six geo-political zones with funds to make them economically self-independent amidst economic hardship.
According to her, N3.6m will be given to the North Central states; N3.1m to the North East; N3.1 North West states; N2.250m to South East.
“The South South will get N3.150m while N2.7m will go to the South West states as part of the women empowerment initiative,” she said.
Earlier, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federsl Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), described late Adamu-Lau as an icon who left a legacy in the country.
Presenting a memorial magazine in honor of the late National President, Benjamins-Laniyi urged women to emulate the legacies of the deceased.
She urged the council to work towards the development of women and the nation.
“In our transition, may we be front page legacy. May the memorial that we represent not just be a print on the front page of a magazine, but an indelible footprint,” she prayed.
Earlier, Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, First Vice President, who was the acting National President, NCWS, expressed appreciation to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady and Grand Patron, NCWS for her unwavering support for women.
Ita-Etuk, said: “we are giving three women per state N150,000 each at least, to add up to their businesses.
“We want to see more women in politics, more women attain positions of authority,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Azura, the 16th NCWS national president, reiterated her commitment towards continuing with the legacies of her predecessor.
“I pledge to work diligently and relentlessly to empower women to continue in our collective drive, foster unity and elevate the NCWS to greater heights.
“Let us unite as one, fostering cooperation and collaboration among all Nigerian women for a brighter and more prosperous future for ourselves and our nation,” she said.
Azura, therefore, urged women to uphold the dignity, welfare, and empowerment of women and improve their participation in governance.
This, she said would be done by ensuring a legacy of strength and unity for generations to come. (NAN)
