Leadership (Abuja)
28 August 2008
Over twenty outstanding Nigerian women were, at the weekend, honoured for their various contributions to the development of Nigeria by Hephzibah Unique Dimension, Abuja.
The event, which attracted prominent personalities especially among the womenfolk was held at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, under the distinguished chairmanship of Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Jibril.
According to the head, corporate development of Hephzibah Unique Dimension, Mr. Cletus Enejo Bart, the award ceremony was in recognition of the exceptional contributions of Nigerian women to the shaping of our nation.
He said women are no longer seen as those backing the men at the front, but are taking full charge in the affairs of many organisations today. For this, he said the organisation had decided to recognise and appreciate them for their efforts in advancing the Nigerian economy.
In an investigative lecture titled: "The Role of Women in Conflict Resolution and Nation Building," presented by Barrister (Mrs.) Rita Chris Garuba, she opined that when women's voices are heard and recognised as valuable, more sustainable economic and social stability is achieved.
Barrister (Mrs.) Garuba, therefore, suggested that more women should be involved in decision making sessions.
According to her, "Women would always speak up for better ways of resolving conflicts rather than war, because they are aware of the instabilities that come with war in a nation and its consequences on their families and the society."
She further said, the sad reality of conflicts is that women and children are increasingly becoming targets of deliberate aggression and hostility around the world.
"Not being able to provide security to women, but especially children in the face of armed conflicts is one of the greatest failures of the world today, not only because it creates so much pain, suffering and lasting damage, but most of all because the shattering of innocent lives could have been avoided," she stressed.
In another paper presented by Mr. G. I. Orowua, titled, "Women In Modern Politics: Imperative for Nigerian Women," he said women are a key resource whose capacities, ideas and contributions have the potentials to improve both the quality and the outcomes of public life and of course improve representation considered as a cornerstone of democracy and democratic governance.
Orowua maintained that democracy cannot be achieved without women's full participation and contributions to decision-making.
"It may be observed therefore, that the numerous problems the world faces today are as a consequence of decisions taken to the exclusion of women. Women would like to be part of the process that designs solutions for these and future problems," he said.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of certificate of Awards to deserving Nigerian women for their outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria.
It also featured the public presentation of the Woman of Worth journal, an annual publication of Hephzibah Unique Dimension, Abuja.
Among the women honoured were: Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Odochi Orji (Abia first lady); Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Jibril; Enewa Barrister (Mrs.) Rita Chris Garuba; Mrs. Linda Ene Monerville (UK); Hajiya Yerima Bulama, NDE, FCT Co-ordinator; Hon. Fidelia Onyeachonam; Ellen Omotunde Thompson and Dr. Catherine Okpa among others.
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