By Kelvin Obambon
The U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar was a beehive of activities on Thursday as thousands of traders gathered for the official launch of the Cross River Market Women Forum for Greatness and a mega rally endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in office.
The dual-purpose event featured political endorsements, policy statements on economic inclusion, and the announcement of a 30 million naira donation by the state government, alongside plans to establish a dedicated microfinance bank for local traders.
Representing Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, expressed surprise at the size of the crowd and commended the resilience of the state’s women. He also praised the Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, describing her as a pillar of support for the vulnerable.
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“I want to specially thank our mummy, the mummy of Cross River State… the general of humanity. The mother that cannot sleep if she sees anybody in the state that is suffering. Mummy has helped women,” Odey stated.
Addressing the upcoming political cycles, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of civic participation, noting that the political representation of women needs to improve. He urged attendees to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to ensure their voices are heard in future elections.
“This is the time to go and get your voter’s card. Because without that voter’s card, you cannot vote for the Sweet Prince of Africa,” he said. “We have a government that loves the market… a government that loves the women.”
Before concluding his address, Odey announced a financial contribution from the state executive to support the newly formed forum.
“In the spirit of sweetness, His Excellency has asked me to donate the sum of 30 million naira,” he announced.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, represented at the event by Cross River Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, delivered a message focusing on the federal government’s economic agenda.
The First Lady’s address highlighted the intersection between national policy and grassroots trade, linking the goals of the new forum with the federal government’s broader economic initiatives.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, places great emphasis on economic inclusion, particularly for women who remain critical drivers of grassroots development through initiatives that promote access to opportunities, skills, finance, and social support,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu added that supporting women in business creates more resilient communities and strengthens families, concluding with a joint endorsement of the current federal and state leadership.
“We jointly reiterate our total commitment and support as we endorse the candidacy of His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in continuation of their great works for our nation and state.”
The vision behind the initiative was further outlined by Mrs Nelly Elvert Ayambem, wife of the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, who spoke on behalf of the forum’s founder, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu. Ayambem described the organization as a strategic movement designed to provide financial advocacy and capacity building for market women across the state’s 18 local government areas.
“The forum is more than just an organization. It is a movement of hope, unity, and prosperity,” Ayambem stated. “Through strategic interventions, capacity building, financial support, and advocacy, we will continue to create an enabling environment that helps our market women grow their businesses.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary of Market Women Association, Rita Egbe, announced that the forum’s next major step would be the launch of the “Cross River Market Women Forum for Greatness Microfinance Bank.”
Egbe noted that since the inception of the current administration, the forum has already facilitated entrepreneurial training, empowered over 400 women, and funded the renovation of several local markets. She however appealed to the state government for continued intervention in critical operational areas.
“As we welcome you, we also use this opportunity to appeal for continued support in security, better accessible market roads, improved sanitation facilities, better security and fire disaster recovery programs. With your backing, we can create an even safer, more prosperous trading environment for everyone,” Egbe said.
The rally concluded with formal declarations of support from various market union leaders, solidifying the alignment of the state’s informal economic sector with the current administration heading into the next election cycle.
