Wike. Photo/ facebook/GovernorNyesomEzenwoWikeCON
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has described Nigerian women as catalysts and contributors that play vital roles in the development of the nation at all levels.
Speaking at the inauguration of the executive members of Rivers State chapter of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the governor urged women to be more vocal, get involved, and be proactive to prevent the dwindling fortunes of the nations socio-political and economic status.
Wike, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, explained that women are instruments of social engineering that brings social change.
He said: “You are catalysts and instruments for social engineering in our society. If women are not part of what society does, society will not progress. Every man, irrespective of who he is, has a woman whom he adores or loves. The late Dr. Myles Monroe once said: “Women are incubators that transform, multiply and make better anything you give her.”
The governor, who was given an award in recognition of his gender-sensitive policies in the state, asked women to rise to the occasion to salvage the country from its dwindling state.
He said: “If our country is going down, you too have a responsibility to caution whoever is at the helm of affairs. We are told that the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world. You rock the cradle of every child including grown men. The soft power you have is stronger than any other power. A lot of men are transformed by the power of women, through gradual persuasion and good examples.
“Whenever you see something good happening, promote and embrace it and if you see something bad happening, speak against it and use your soft power to change it.”
According to him, his government is very gender-sensitive and would not take for granted affairs of women in the state, stressing that issues concerning women in Rivers State are at the front burner of his government.
“For the first time in the history of Rivers State, the governor has set a record in women’s involvement with the first female deputy governor, first female senator, all-female vice chairpersons in all the 23 LGAs, first female chief judges, amongst others,” he said.
He said he believes that with the inauguration of NCWS in Rivers State, women in Rivers State would become more organised, and have a united voice to speak for the good of Rivers State.
He thanked the National President of NCWS for her sacrifices and passion to ensure the NCWS is revived in Rivers State, which has been moribund for some time.
“To the new executive members, I believe that with your inauguration, NCWS would come back to the glory days,” he added. National President of the NCWS, Glory Shoda, thanked the governor for the protection and placement of women in key positions in the state.
“We congratulate you for publicly acknowledging the strength of women and foresight on the importance of practising inclusive governance, which will serve as a template for years to come. On behalf of women, we appreciate you for all your administration has done for Rivers women,” she said.
The Guardian
