Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr Rachel Dickson on Thursday
called for concerted efforts in tackling obstacles that impede the
educational development of the Ijaw girl-child.
Dr Dickson made the call while declaring open a 2-day Bayelsa Women
Summit with the theme “Ijaw Women Walking Tall” at the Dr. Gabriel
Okara Cultural Center, Yenagoa.
She called on parents, particularly mothers to work assiduously in
supporting the girl-child, towards realizing her full potential in any
profession, to enable her contribute to the development of society.
Dr Dickson, who encouraged parents never to give up on their children,
stressed the need for Ijaw women to take their rightful position in
the scheme of things through commitment, hardwork and passion for
excellence.
She also called on Ijaw women to jettison all divisive tendencies and
support one another in the pursuit of their goals, noting that,
mistakes in life should not be seen as stumbling blocks, but rather as
formidable platforms to excel.
The 4th Bayelsa Women Summit featured lectures on different career
development such as essential security tips, women in politics,
academics, business, legal profession and journalism.
Mrs Nene Adala of Otuedu Community in Ogbia Local Government Area and
Madam Ebimotimi Justice from Southern Ijaw were among several women
that testified to the benevolence of the Restoration Government, which
they noted, had empowered their families.
Also speaking, the three female members in the state House of
Assembly, Hon. Gold Ingo-Iwowari, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai and Hon.
Kate Owoko lauded the Dickson-led administration for its gender
friendly posture that has earned Bayelsa international recognition.
In her lecture on Women in Politics, the Managing Director of Bayelsa
Trading Company Limited and former state Women Leader of the Peoples
Democratic Party, Mrs Faith Opene urged the Ijaw women to develop
themselves educationally and shun blackmail and ‘pull her down
syndrome’.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the summit by state
representatives of various organizations, including National
Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), International Federation of
Female Lawyers (FIDA), National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) and
the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).