By Nnene Bassey
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women and children.
The commissioner made the pledge while speaking shortly after she was bestowed with a meritorious award of excellence for her outstanding support towards changing the narratives for women and children in Nigeria.
Dr. Adiakpan was honored for her unwavering, professional leadership and commitment towards the welfare of women, girls, veterans and women in disabilities.
The prestigious award was presented to her by the National Council on Women’s Affairs during its 23rd Regular National Council Meeting. which was held in Calabar, Cross River State.
The event was organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Cross River State. It was held with the theme, “Gender Equality: Bridging the Social Inclusion Gaps for Economic Development”.
Notably, gender equality is a critical aspect of social inclusion and economic development and bridging the social inclusion gaps for certain group of people, such as people living with disability, is of utmost importance in order to ensure their rights, well-being, and contribution to the country’s economic growth, is guaranteed.
The commissioner, who also serves as the Dean of Women Affairs Commissioners in Nigeria, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reassured that she will continue on the path of touching lives, especially women and children, beyond her office as commissioner and as a person.
Dr. Adiakpan also pledged her commitment to working towards the advancement of humanity and called on other women in position of authority to support less privileged people, women and children in everything they do.
While presenting the award, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, commended the commissioner for standing out among her contemporaries in supporting women and children.
Mrs. urged her to do more and equally used the opportunity to call on other women in position of authority to emulate her.
The 23rd edition of the Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs brought together women, dignitaries, partners, and guests from various states and organisations.
During the four-day meeting, which took place from August 21st to August 24th, a total of 175 memoranda were presented, covering a range of critical topics such as gender-based streaming, women’s empowerment, protection and promotion of reproductive health and sexual life of women, social inclusion, protection and promotion of child’s rights, and social protection of the vulnerable.
These submissions originated from 31 States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other ministries.
The meeting also highlighted the collective commitment towards promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and economic development across Nigeria. It equally underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change for women and the entire society.