BY: Nick Udoh, Calabar
A Calabar-based women association known as “Women Arise”, operating within University of Calabar (Unical), Cross River State, has elected officers to run the body for three years tenure.
The association has the following as its aims and objectives. These include, “to create an enabling environment for mutual interaction and capacity sharing for common growth of members, to foster religious tolerance amongst members, to fight for women’s rights for the attainment of equal status of women in politics and governance, and to raise self esteem and self confidence among women”.
Others are, “to foster cooperation, unity, and love among others, to support political aspirations of members, and to support the welfare of members etc.”
It has its vision “as raising confidence and supporting women to participate in politics within and outside the University environment.”
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Comrade Rosemary O. Ugoh, onbehalf of other Exco members expressed gratitude to God for finding them worthy to serve the association in their various positions.
She lauded the Electoral Committee members for working tirelessly to ensure that the election was free and fair.
According to her, “the process in this election is a great lesson.
She declared, “it is for good, progress and growth of this association as well as to test our loyalty, sincerity, strength and unity”.
The President said “today we have overcome all the temptations and have returned together as “one united, strong and ever-ready ” group for the betterment of humanity in our society as well as members of the association.”
She admonished other Exco members to be prepared to bring out ideas that will drive and grow the association.
Ugoh, reassured members of her unalloyed loyalty during her tenure. We are going to work as a team. We shall succeed like a team.
She sued for cooperation from other Exco as well as other members of the association. The victory is a collective victory. We shall implement to the latter, our bye law to instill discipline and order.
The president also commended all that voted them into office. Most importantly, she acknowledged the contributions of Patrons, Matrons
Advisers and Sponsors in making this election a success.
“We stand here with all our hearts to pledge our humility before you. This is a team work and collectively we shall succeed, she noted”.
She advised members of Exco to be alive to their responsibility during the three year tenure.
Other officers are Comrade Ekaette Odidi- Vice President,
Comrade Ekaette Okpok – Secretary,
Comrade Arit Itu – Asst. Secretary,
Comrade Gift O.Eteng – Treasurer,
Comrade Blessing Asuquo – Financial Secretary,
Comrade Genevive Effiom, Welfare officer 1,
Comrade Wofai Onen – Welfare officer 2,
Comrade Iysa Ekpenyong – PRO, Comrade Agnes Agbachom – Provost and
Comrade SallyQueen Igboke- Ex-Officio.
Earlier, the President, Comrade. Ugoh, was decorated with a “Medal” as a mark of distinction from other members as they took their Oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony.
The Electoral Committee was headed by Ansa Ndem, Chairman and Mildred Bassey, Secretary.
