The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade, represented by the Honourable Commissioner For Health Dr.Janet Ekpenyong today held a match in commemoration of The International Women’s Day Celebration.
The match which terminated at the Ministry of Women Affairs Calabar witnessed a large turn out of women, MDAs, and partner agencies in the state.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the First Lady, Dr.Ekpenyong thanked everyone for coming out in solidarity to mark this years event.
She noted that the IWD celebration which was championed by a woman of impeccable value Mrs. Clara Zetkin in 1910 is a date set aside to celebrate the laudable achievements of women and their selfless contributions to nation building and the world at large.
She said looking at the theme for this years celebration “EMBRACE EQUITY” which focuses on the importance and reasons to why women should be accorded equal opportunities, rights and level playing ground that will ensure rapid achievements of results to the many problems in the society today.
She reiterated the many contributions of women in the society stating that their key roles and importance cannot be over emphasized even as she recanted the many travails facing womanhood.
She used the opportunity to sympathize and register her concerns on the sad incidence that ravaged and took the state by storm over the kidnap of the Honourable Commissioner For Women Affairs Surv.Gertrude Njar while calling on the relevant authorities and security agencies to fasten their efforts in ensuring her safe return.
Dr. Ekpenyong implored and charged all women to be of good cheer and keep up the robust and resilient spirit that has seen them succeed in all their callings and diffrent fields of endeavors even as they anticipate a world that will embrace the equality of all.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of women affairs, Mrs Alice Egbe also reiterated the importance of prioritizing women in the society and the role of women in nation building. She also appealed for the quick release of the commisioner for women affairs, so she would be reunited with her family.
Others present at the event were Dr Pauline Obute, PS SMOH,
Madam Mbong Ausaji, PS Ministry of SDG, Directors and workers from various MDAs, Implementing partners ECEWS, Marie Stopes, etc.
Wishing you all a wonderful Celebration.
Kenneth Anam
MOH,Calabar
8th March 2023
