Abuja: Mrs. Edna Azura has emerged as the new National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Azura will complete the late Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau’s two-year tenure, following her passing on June 5, 2024. During the inauguration, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged Azura to lead with fairness and dedication for the benefit of women across the country. She emphasized the potential for women to achieve significant progress, asserting that they are already leading in many sectors and can contribute to the progress and development of Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced a new women empowerment initiative aimed at providing financial support to women across the six geo-political zones, helping them achieve economic independence amidst current economic challenges. The financial breakdown includes N3.6 million for North Central states, N3.1 million each for Northeast and Northwest states, N2.250 million for Southeast, N3.150 million for South South, and N2.7 million for South West states.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, praised the late Adamu-Lau as an icon with a legacy of excellence. She encouraged women to emulate Adamu-Lau’s legacy and contribute to national development, emphasizing the importance of creating lasting legacies.
Mrs. Geraldine Ita-Etuk, NCWS First Vice President and Acting President, expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, NCWS Grand Patron, for her steadfast support for women. She highlighted the council’s efforts to support women by providing financial assistance to three women per state, encouraging more women in politics and positions of authority.
In her acceptance speech, Azura, the 16th NCWS President, pledged to uphold her predecessor’s legacy and champion women’s empowerment. She committed to working diligently to empower women, foster unity, and elevate NCWS to greater heights. Azura urged women to prioritize dignity, welfare, and empowerment while increasing their participation in governance, emphasizing the importance of creating a legacy of strength and unity for future generations.