By Amaechi Okwara
Asaba
Delta state acting Governor, Barr Kingsley Otuaro, has charged Nigerian women to emulate late Dr. Mrs. Maryam Babangida in the quest to uplift women, especially the downtrodden in the society.
Speaking in Asaba at the Dr Maryam Babangida Inaugural Memorial Lecture, Otuaro said women in public office should use their offices to ensure the empowerment and upliftment of women.
The deputy governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said she earned her reputation by her consistent commitment to the upliftment of the status of the Nigerian women.
Ukah said “late Mrs. Babangida was a virtuous woman, a supportive wife, an exemplary mother, a role model and a visionary leader.”
The memorial lecture was chaired by the Omu of Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu, while former President, General Ibrahim Babangida, husband of late Maryam was represented by Engr. Emmanuel Eboh.
The inaugural lecture series provided a platform for stakeholders to access the impact of women empowerment in the contemporary African society and the way forward in economic emancipation for rural women.
In their various remarks, the convener of the lecture series, and Dr. Mrs. Babangida’s elder brother, Amb Leo Okogwu and representative of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, lamented over the failure of successive governments to consolidate on the vision of the Better Life for Rural Women Programme.
Chairman on the occasion and Omu of Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu, said traditional rulers should speak out against the challenges facing the unity and peace of the nation, and advised the organisers of the lecture series to rotate it round the country.
