04/04/2026
โโ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐ง: ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก, ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง.โ
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โIn a moment that set the tone for both reflection and action, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, took center stage at the 2026 International Womenโs Day celebration in Calabar, delivering a compelling health talk that resonated deeply with women across all walks of life.
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โAddressing a vibrant gathering at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Otu emphasized the often overlooked importance of stress management, urging women to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. She advocated for practical lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and seeking timely support, noting that a healthy woman is the foundation of a thriving society. Her presentation not only informed but inspired, setting a powerful precedent for the dayโs engagements.
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โBuilding on this impactful foundation, the event transitioned into a broader message of purpose and empowerment as the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, ably represented by her Special Adviser on Programmes, Apostle Queen Eton, delivered a thought-provoking address anchored on the theme โGive to Gain.โ
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โHer Excellency underscored the transformative power of selflessness, challenging women to rethink growth as a collective journey rather than an individual pursuit. She highlighted that true progress is achieved when women intentionally create opportunities that uplift others, reinforcing the stateโs commitment to advancing women through strategic investments in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection.
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โโReal change happens when we come together with a shared vision,โ she noted, while encouraging women to recognize their worth and embrace their limitless potential.
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โEarlier, in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edema Irom, reiterated the essence of the theme, calling for sacrifice, unity, and intentional support among women. She further urged aspiring female leaders to step forward and leverage platforms such as the Women Lobby Group to drive inclusive governance.
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โGoodwill messages from key dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Archbishop Margaret Ene Ita, and the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Duke, echoed the need for collaboration, unity, and purposeful engagement in leadership.
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โAlso lending her voice, the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem, described women as resilient trailblazers and pivotal drivers of societal development, advocating for stronger support systems among women.
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โFrom the development partnersโ perspective, Richard Ballantyne of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees commended the invaluable contributions of women to national development and called for more inclusive leadership frameworks, particularly for women living with disabilities.
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โAdding a financial dimension to empowerment, the National Pension Commission, represented by Edward Ekpenyong on behalf of the director General, Omolola Oloworaran, enlightened women especially those in the informal sector on the benefits of the Personal Pension Plan, promoting the principle of โsave small today, gain big tomorrow.โ
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โThe event also featured a tuberculosis awareness session by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, alongside other engaging side attractions.
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โFrom a powerful health advocacy to a unifying call for selfless impact, the 2026 International Womenโs Day celebration in Calabar was not just an event it was a movement. A movement reminding every woman that in giving, supporting, and lifting others, true gain is not just possible it is inevitable.
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โโEmpowered to Give, Destined to Gain โ Today We Celebrate the Power of Womanhood.โ
Calabar Blog Media
Crossriverians Inthediaspora
AIT Online
Channels Television
Office of the wife of the Cross River State Governor
Rt.Hon Peter Odey - Cross River State Deputy Governor
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