 |
|
|||||||
|
UDUAGHAN PROMISES OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ADVANCEMENT, IMMORTALISES MARIAM BABANGIDA
Dr. Uduaghan who was speaking at a memorial lecture organized by the Delta state government in honour of late Mrs. Mariam Babangida said women have multi dimensional role to play in the transformation of society. He called on Nigerians to contribute towards issues affecting women in their respective capacities so that the current effort aimed at increasing the participation of women in the scheme of things will be sustained. The Governor said his government as a deliberate policy has constructed markets and rehabilitated many to provide a conductive socio economic environment to improve the lot of women. Governor Uduaghan also said that the state’s micro credit scheme for small and medium size businesses is principally targeted at women who so far have received various sums of money. “The free maternal health care of my administration which covers pre and post maternal health care for pregnant women has positively touched the lives of women and Children in the state,” he said. Describing the late Mrs. Babangida as a trail blazer, role model, and a great woman, the governor said she devoted most part of her life towards improving the lot of the less privileged in the society particularly those living in the rural areas. Dr. Uduaghan said the current consciousness about women development is because of her uncommon disposition towards the plight of the less privileged women and children in the society. “With her pet project she was able to mobilize support and galvanize policy makers to initiate and implement policies and programmes that will improve the condition of women and attract attention to issues involving women folk,” he said. The Governor who charged Nigerians to emulate a woman of peace and compassion urged stakeholders in the Nigerian project to promote the ideals of love, peace and diligence which she stood for. In her speech Dr. Winnie Mandela wife of the first Black President of South Africa Dr. Nelson Mandela urged governments in the world to strengthen intervention policies that will empower women. Mrs. Mandela urged women to fight for themselves insisting that women are endowed with many virtues and when you strike them you strike rock. She enjoined women not to be left behind in the scheme of things even as she explained that the participation of women in all sectors of the economy will be beneficial to mankind. Mrs. Mandela who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa in Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Mulaudzi extolled the virtues of Mrs. Mariam Babangida whom she described as selfless, charming and caring. Niger state Governor, Dr. Baba Babangida Aliyu in his remarks told women in the country not to be intimidated, saying Mrs. Babangida was a woman of many parts explaining that while alive she provoked thought and encouraged him to start free education programme in his state. He urged the children to promote and sustain the legacies their mother left behind. Anambra state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi said the late Mrs. Babangida was an ambassador extra ordinary and enjoined Nigerians to immortalize her name. Mr. Obi urged Nigerians to contribute to the wellbeing of the down trodden adding that it was only when we do the right things that we will be adding to her values especially her vision for humanity. The Chairman of the memorial lecture Prof. Grace Alele Williams said the vision of Mrs. Mariam Babangida added spices to the lives of women in the country. Prof. Alele-Williams, first woman vice Chancellor in a Nigerian University said Mrs. Babangida’s vision emboldened women to greater self understanding and empowered them tremendously in the economic sectors. Describing her achievements as monumental she said her fight for social justice moved women from the circle of poverty to financial independence. “There is no doubt that her vision brought a magnificent and parallel change into the lives of women and at the same time galvanized millions of women into using their initiatives to pull themselves up and become economically independent,” she said. Speaking with a voice full of emotion former Military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida expressed happiness over all the kind things said about his late wife. General Babangida expressed appreciation to Delta state government for immortalizing the name of his wife. He promised to see Delta state as a second home explaining that the steps taken to immortalize his wife’s name will encourage his children to visit Asaba frequently. The former President used the occasion to philosophize on the future of Nigeria saying that every generation has a duty to play its own role fairly and reasonably.   
|
ASK THE GOVERNOR 
|
||||||||||||
Photo Gallery | Subscribe to News | News Room | FAQ | Contacts Copyright(c) Government House Asaba, 2007-2010. |