By Ita Williams, Calabar
Colourful attires, songs, dances and chants filled the Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar on Thursday as thousands of market women gathered for a day many described as historic.
The occasion marked the inauguration of the Cross River Market Women Forum for Greatness and endorsement rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu ahead of 2027 elections.
Women from different markets across the 18 Local Government of the state arrived early, carrying banners and placards expressing solidarity with the administration.
The atmosphere remained festive throughout the programme.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, expressed delight at the turnout.
He acknowledged the efforts of Bishop Eyoanwan Otu in supporting women and vulnerable residents since the inception of the current administration in 2023.
“I want to specially thank our mummy, the mummy of Cross River State, the general of humanity. She cannot sleep when she sees anybody suffering,” Odey said.
The deputy governor encouraged women to remain active participants in democratic processes.
He urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards ahead of future elections.
“This is the time to go and get your voter’s card. We have a government that loves the market and loves women,” he stated.
“His Excellency has asked me to donate the sum of 30 million naira,” he told the cheering crowd. Hon. Odey expressed” he said.
Representing First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu delivered a message enumerating women’s role in national development.
The First Lady noted that empowering women translates into stronger families and healthier communities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda places great emphasis on economic inclusion, particularly for women,” the message read.
Mrs. Nelly Elvert Ayambem who represented the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu later described the forum as a movement built on hope and shared prosperity.
She said, “Today we mark another significant step in our commitment to the economic empowerment and well-being of the hard-working women who form the backbone of commerce in Cross River State”
“Cross River State Market Women Forum, which is my brainchild, is established to provide support,
representation, opportunities and a stronger voice for our market women across the state”
“As we launch this forum today, I urge every member to embrace unity, cooperation, and collective progress as we build a stronger and more prosperous crossover together”
” On behalf of the women and market community of our dear state, we proudly endorse the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and reaffirm our unwavering support for the people-oriented leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as we look forward to a greater and more prosperous Cross River today and beyond 2027″ she declared.
“Through strategic interventions, capacity building, financial support and advocacy, we will continue to help market women grow their businesses,” she said.
Mrs, Rita Egbe, Secretary, Cross River State Market Women Association announced plans for a dedicated microfinance bank and call for improve security, sanitation and infrastructure in markets.
Her. words,”There are a plans to establish a dedicated microfinance bank, therefore I wish to advocate for improve security, sanitation and infrastructure in markets across the state” she emphasized.
The highlight of the event was the match-past by market women from across the 18 local government areas, the distribution of cash and other items to support women in their various businesses, and the endorsement of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for Continuity beyond 2027.
