The First Lady of Obanliku, Mrs. Josephine Ayang, marked the 2025 International Women’s Day yesterday at the Obanliku local government council amidst cheers and excitement.
This year’s International Women’s Day, with the theme ” accelerate action for the girl child and women,” attracted a large crowd of women and young ladies, as well as men, including the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon. Sunny Ayang, who graced the occasion.
The first lady, in her speech, encouraged the women to continue to be diligent and resilient in their roles as mothers while urging them to keep supporting and praying for the success of the current administration, noting the giant strides of the administration within 100 days in office.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Priscilla Okuku discussed divergent topics bothering leadership and reproductive health, urging women to rise and take responsibilities, confront challenges, and improve their skills if they must assume positions of leadership while emphasizing the significance of regular medical check-ups towards maintaining sound reproductive health. Mrs. Kate, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the dangers of early girl-child marriage, while the Vice chairman of the council, Hon. Glory Awowoh, crowned the session with an emphasis on child protection.
Highlights of the event were cultural performances, an award presentation by ‘Team Ma Adiaha’ to the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, and the presentation of food items, wrappers, and cash gifts to the women. Presenting the award, the local government coordinator of Team Ma Adiaha, Hon. Bridget Alina, noted that the award was in recognition of the chairman’s gender-friendly disposition in the constitution of his cabinet.
According to the state representative of Team Ma Adiaha, Dr Christy Ushie, the award of Excellent Leadership and Most Gender-friendly Chairman in CRS, was in recognition of the Chairman’s inclusive approach in appointing more females into his cabinet, stating that the local government under Chief Sunny Ayang has the highest female appointees since the creation of the Local Government. She also mentioned that the appointment of a Special Assistant on Girl Child Initiative and gender mainstreaming was another deliberate effort to promote women.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Sunny Ayang, in his response, appreciated Team Ma Adiaha for the award while dedicating it to God and the governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He acknowledged the award as ” a challenge and a call to greater performance .” He further charged the women of Obanliku to accelerate action towards being actively involved in the electioneering process, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated globally, is a day that recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action towards accelerating gender parity.
Notable individuals at the event included the Leader of Council, Hon. Sunday Elam, Mrs. Justina Shiyam, the Supervisor for Education, Mrs. Maria Obor, councilors, political appointees, among others.
Press Unit, Obanliku Local Government Council, 9th March, 2025.
