Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has underscored the critical role of women in promoting sustainable development, peacebuilding, economic growth, and environmental stewardship across the Niger Delta region.
She made the assertion yesterday while speaking at the Niger Delta Women Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The conference, organized by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), was themed “Empowering Niger Delta Women for Enhanced Political Inclusion, Peace, and Development.”
Describing the conference as timely and commendable, the Deputy Governor said it provided a strategic platform for dialogue, empowerment, and capacity building for women in the region.
She emphasized the nurturing and protective roles women play in society, likening them to a mother hen safeguarding her chicks.
“The mother hen protects her chicks. When danger approaches, she spreads her wings to shield them. When she finds food, she ensures her chicks eat first. That is the nature of women — protective, selfless, and nurturing,” she said.
Prof. Odu commended the organizers, PANDEF, and the British High Commission for supporting the initiative.
She urged participants to harness the collective strength, resilience, and creativity of Niger Delta women to promote unity, development, and lasting progress in the region.
In her remarks, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, who served as Special Guest of Honour, called on Nigerian women to rise above political differences and work together to advocate for greater inclusion and leadership opportunities.
“Let us love and support one another. Let us walk in unity and be proud of who we are. What a man can do, we can do even better. We are strong, capable, and resourceful,” she stated.
Also speaking, the PANDEF National Woman Leader, Mrs. Grace Ekong, reaffirmed that PANDEF remains a platform for dialogue and advocacy, promoting equality, peace, inclusion, and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.
She explained that the conference was designed to sensitize and empower women through education and capacity development, enabling them to participate more actively in regional governance and development.
She added that PANDEF continues to engage the Federal Government on issues affecting the Niger Delta and its people.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Maureen Etebu noted that the conference theme reflects a collective commitment to advancing the role of women as key contributors to governance, peace, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
She stressed that meaningful progress in the region is closely tied to the inclusion, empowerment, and leadership of women at all levels of society.
- Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor.