AWLA CONFAB: RIVERS DEPUTY GOV TASKS WOMEN ON NATION BUILDING

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has urged women to move beyond being beneficiaries of empowerment programmes and become active agents of transformation and nation-building.

Odu made the call at the African Women Lawyers Association Nigeria 2026 Annual Parley Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Excellence Wears Heels.”

Represented at the event by a former Permanent Secretary in the state, Dr Josephine Chukuigwe, the deputy governor commended AWLA for its efforts to promote the rights, welfare and empowerment of women and children.

She urged members of the association to mentor younger women, support women-owned businesses, promote education and skills development, and create opportunities for greater participation by women in leadership and decision-making.

Odu said women should recognise their capacity to influence society through their professional knowledge, advocacy and commitment to justice.

She also noted that the government had a responsibility to create an enabling environment where women could develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to her, empowering women should be viewed not only as a matter of fairness but also as an investment in stronger families, communities and the economy.

The deputy governor urged stakeholders to build a society where girls can pursue their ambitions without limitations and women can occupy leadership positions without discrimination.

Meanwhile, the President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, said women must develop their capacities and remain resilient in pursuing their goals.

She said her emergence as the NBA's 33rd president demonstrated what women could achieve when they remained determined and continued to pursue excellence.

The conference also featured discussions on women's leadership, professional development, justice, mentorship and the importance of creating opportunities for women to contribute to national development.