Ukorebi Esien | June 27, 2025
CALABAR — In a colourful ceremony held in Calabar to mark the 2025 edition of the International Day for the Celebration of Women, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion and women empowerment across the region. However, the event, which took place in Calabar, was not without its share of controversy and public concern over access and participation.
Speaking at the event, the State Director of the NDDC, High Chief Ambassador Sir Daniel Ajumwa, PhD, described the celebration as a symbolic recognition of the enormous contributions women make to society. He praised the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Obuku, for what he called "his gender-neutral leadership style", noting that the MD had championed initiatives that cut across gender lines.
- "Women are the mothers of the nation, the captains of industry, and they have shown great leadership in every sphere," Dr. Ajumwa declared. "This celebration today is part of our national and global obligation to recognize and honour them."
According to Ajumwa, the selection of participants for the event was based on nominations forwarded by relevant stakeholders, including the Governor of the State, senators, the NDDC state representative other stakeholders , and various women's groups. He clarified that attendance was not based on party affiliation but on recommendations made from across political and social sectors.
- "It is not party-driven, it is women-driven. Some attendees were drawn from market women associations, cooperative societies, and grassroots organisations," he emphasized.
However, the event sparked concern from some attendees and observers who complained about the limited access to the venue. Many women, reportedly drawn to the celebration by publicity surrounding the event, were left outside and unattended, with some alleging they left without food or participation. When asked about the exclusion, Ajumwa acknowledged the situation but attributed it to logistical and procedural constraints.
- "Some people came without being on the official list, which was prepared from the head office. We are only executing what was sent down," he explained.
Addressing the participants at the event, Hon. Mercy Akpama who represents Yakurr 2 state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, encouraged women to be bold in taking up leadership roles.
In her keynote Address, Magistrate Nkechi Usani of the Customary Court of Appeal urged women to break barriers and embrace leadership touching on the progress and gaps in achieving gender parity in Nigeria. Citing national statistics, she revealed that of the 1,391 judges in Nigeria's superior courts, only 449 are women.
- "This disparity is not due to lack of education or competence. Women make up 49.4% of the national population, yet they are grossly underrepresented in positions of authority across sectors," she lamented.
She further referenced the historical role of women in Nigeria's fight against oppression, highlighting the 1929 Aba Women's Riots and the Ikot Abasi Revolt, during which 33 women lost their lives protesting unjust taxation.
- "The subjugation of women is not cultural—it is structural. We must revisit our history to correct present injustices," she said, receiving thunderous applause from the audience.
The NDDC used the occasion to also showcase its infrastructural upgrades in Cross River, including the fully renovated state office which now serves as a hub for Niger Delta development programs in the state.
While the event succeeded in spotlighting women's achievements and struggles, it also exposed ongoing concerns about inclusivity and equitable access in public programs, especially those funded by federal agencies.
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