Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has reiterated the critical role women play in promoting sustainable development, peacebuilding, economic growth and environmental stewardship in communities across the Niger Delta.
Prof. Odu made the remark while speaking at the Niger Delta Women Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The conference was organised by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) with support from the British High Commission.
The event, themed “Empowering Niger Delta Women for Enhanced Political Inclusion, Peace and Development,” brought together women leaders and stakeholders from across the region to deliberate on strengthening women’s participation in governance and regional development.
The deputy governor described the conference as a timely and commendable initiative, noting that it provides a strategic platform for dialogue, empowerment and capacity building for women in the Niger Delta.
According to her, women play a nurturing and protective role in society, likening them to a mother hen that shields and provides for its chicks.
“The mother hen spreads her feathers to protect the chicks from danger. When she finds food, she does not eat first but gives it to the chicks. That is the nature of women — nurturing, protective and selfless,” she said.
Prof. Odu commended the organisers, particularly PANDEF and the British High Commission, for supporting the initiative, urging participants to harness the collective strength, resilience and creativity of Niger Delta women to promote unity, development and lasting peace in the region.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, called on Nigerian women to rise above political differences and unite in advocating for their rights and greater inclusion in leadership.
She encouraged women to support one another and remain proud of their capabilities, stressing that women possess the potential to excel in leadership and nation-building.
Also speaking, the National Women Leader of PANDEF, Mrs. Grace Ekong, said the organisation remains a platform for dialogue and advocacy for equality, peace, inclusion and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.
Ekong explained that the conference was designed to sensitise and empower women through education and capacity building to participate more actively in the region’s development.
She added that PANDEF continues to serve as a channel for engaging the Federal Government on the needs and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Moureen Etebu emphasised that the conference reflects a collective commitment to strengthening the role of women as key contributors to governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
