By Gabriela Ezin, Calabar
Thousands of market women from across Cross River State on Thursday endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term in office during the inauguration of the Cross River State Market Women Forum in Calabar.
The women pledged their support as the forum was unveiled as a platform to promote economic empowerment, representation and social inclusion for female traders across the state.
The event was attended by political office holders, community leaders and women drawn from the state’s 18 local government areas.
In a goodwill message presented on behalf of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, described the initiative as a major step towards empowering grassroots women.
She said the forum aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve women’s access to opportunities, finance, skills acquisition and social support.
According to the First Lady, women remain critical drivers of economic growth and community development.
She noted that supporting women-owned businesses would strengthen families and contribute to sustainable national development.
Tinubu also commended Bishop Otu for creating a platform that would unite market women under a common vision of progress and prosperity.
Represented by the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs Nelly Ayambe, Bishop Otu described the forum as her brainchild and a movement dedicated to improving the welfare of market women.
She said the platform would pursue capacity-building programmes, advocacy, financial support and other interventions aimed at helping traders expand their businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Otu said the initiative evolved from activities organised for market women during the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration.
She told the women that their contributions to the state’s economy were invaluable and urged them to remain united.
The governor’s wife also encouraged the women to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as important tools for democratic participation.
She further announced empowerment packages for traders, including cash grants, Point-of-Sale machines, business starter packs, wrappers, umbrellas, aprons and bags of rice.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Rita Egbe commended Bishop Otu for creating opportunities for entrepreneurship development and empowerment, while calling for improved market security, better roads, sanitation facilities and disaster recovery support.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, also urged the women to collect their PVCs ahead of future elections and said the administration deserved another term to consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, healthcare and women empowerment.
