First Lady, Otu Launch Cross River Market Women Forum For Economic Empowerment

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the Cross River State governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, have launched the Cross River State Market Women Forum in Calabar, describing it as a platform for economic empowerment and social inclusion of women traders across the state.

The event, held on Friday, also witnessed a strong endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in office, as market women pledged continued support for their administrations’ development agenda.

In a goodwill message presented by the wife of the Cross River State governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, on behalf of the President’s wife, the initiative was described as a transformative effort aimed at strengthening grassroots women and promoting inclusive economic growth.

She commended the creation of the forum, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises women’s economic participation through access to opportunities, skills acquisition, finance and social support.

“I am particularly encouraged that this forum seeks to unite market women under a common vision of progress, cooperation and empowerment.

“When women are supported to succeed in business, families are strengthened, communities become more resilient and the foundations of sustainable development are reinforced.”

The Cross River First Lady also praised the initiative, reaffirming her commitment to programmes that uplift women across the state, while endorsing both President Tinubu and Governor Otu for another term, citing their development achievements.

Also speaking, the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs Nelly Ayambe, who described herself as the initiator of the forum, called it a “movement of hope, unity and prosperity,” designed to strengthen market women through targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives.