IWD: Police Superintendent, Cordelia Nwawe to Support Widows with Soft Loan

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

The O/C Provost Marshal, PMF Squadron 26, Idoro in Akwa Ibom State, SP Cordelia Nwawe has promised to personally support Widows in the State with soft funds for their businesses.

She gave the assurance on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, while identifying with Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists' (NAWOJ) on their commemoration of the 2024 International Women's Day.

The event which attracted women from various professional bodies across the State featured the presentation of soft loans to 12 vulnerable women and widows, as well as welfare package to an octogenarian.

SP Nwawe while making her remarks

Commending NAWOJ for being consistent in the struggle for women emancipation, the Police Superintendent who served as the State Force Public Relations Officer between 2015 and 2017 said she was happy to be a woman and proud to be identified with NAWOJ.

Recalling her experience with women the Journalists during her years as PPRO, she described NAWOJians as  friends and family who supported her all the way and made her tenure successful.

"You were all there for me. I couldn't have made all the difference I made without your solid support so, NAWOJians will always be my sisters", she stated.

While appraising the theme of the event: "Inspire Inclusion",  Nwawe expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life and those of the women to be included in the affairs of men.

Chairperson, NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsikak Okon

"... because it's only when you're alive you can talk about inclusion", she asserted. She then charged the women on the need for adequate preparation ahead of opportunities.

"You can't be asking for inclusion when you don't have what it takes to be included. People rarely resist knowledge and intelligence; when you prove yourself knowledgeable in whatever you're doing, recommendation comes very handy. So adequate preparation is expedient", she stressed. 

Following the presentation of soft loans to 12 small-scale business vulnerable women and widows, Nwawe pledged to support 2 more widows as her contribution to the event.

Chairman, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk at the event

Earlier, the State Chapter Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon remarked that the International Women's Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world.

She pointed at the challenge of gender inequality in all spheres of life and lamented the discrimination and violence against women because of their gender.

"As we stand on the threshold of a new era, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women's rights. Let us strive for a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential, free from discrimination and violence. Let us work together to dismantle the old structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

We must ensure equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and political participation for women everywhere. We must amplify women's voices, support their leadership, and promote policies that advance gender equality", she preached.

She described the presentation of soft loans to vulnerable women as one of the many ways NAWOJ is responding to the international theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress".

L-R: Keynote Speaker, Comrade Nene Afia; representatives of the Police Officers' Wives Association, Federal Road safety Commission and SP Nwawe

"We will be responding to this call. We believe this will go a long way to assist the women in this harsh economy", she maintained, while calling on the First Lady of the State, Pst. Patience Umo Eno, stakeholders in the affairs of women and members of the public to support their bid.

Consequently, Nice Theodore, Esther Sunday John, Rita Rose Alexander, Emek William Jude, Uduak Jane, Abigail Francis, Akon James Udoh, Mandu Okon Edet, Halimat Abdulazeez, Ekaette Amos Udoh and Eno Abel selected across the Federal Constituencies of the State were given the loans.

The occasion was chaired by Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe, represented by Comrade Nene Afia who also gave a keynote address on the theme. 

A major highlight of the event was the induction of four notable women into the NAWOJ hall of fame. They were: Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Enobong Uwah; Wife of the former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Dr. Rosalyn Enefiok Essien; Transition Chairperson, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Lady Emem Ibanga as well as the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet.

The Hall of famers

Preceding the event was a free medical outreach in the morning and a visit to new born babies at St. Luke's Hospital, Anua on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Goodwill Messages were received from the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk; Wife of the State Head of Service, Mrs. Uduak Effiong Essien; Paramount Rulers Wives (Mbong Ibaan Akwa Ibom) as well as from representatives of the 

Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Police Officers Wives Association (POWA),  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), among others.

In attendance were the former Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Comrade Mary Asuquo;  immediate past Chairperson of NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Uduak Ekong; General Manager, Redemption FM, Comrade Comfort Umanah; General Manger, NTA, Uyo, Mrs. Alice Ugbe; members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers' Union (RATTAWU); Muslim Women Association, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), amongst others.