The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has inaugurated the State Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) Scale-Up Project, charging members to ensure inclusivity and extend the programme’s benefits to more women across the state.
Odey gave the charge on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony held at Government House, Calabar, on Tuesday, where he expressed delight that women were being actively involved in the programme. He noted that the sectors represented in the committee align with the development priorities of the Governor Otu-led administration.
He emphasised the need for the committee to ensure that the programme reaches women at the grassroots, particularly those who genuinely need support and empowerment to improve their livelihoods.
The Deputy Governor further encouraged the team to extend the programme’s reach to other Local Government Areas across the state to accommodate more women and ensure that no deserving beneficiary is left behind.
He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend largely on effective coordination, broad-based participation and a deliberate commitment to reaching women across different communities.
Odey noted that the inauguration was another step towards strengthening women’s participation in economic development and ensuring that more women in Cross River State have access to opportunities for empowerment and improved livelihoods.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Chairperson of the coordinating ministry, Hon. Edema Irom, disclosed that the Nigeria for Women Programme is co-sponsored by the World Bank and the Cross River State Government.
She explained that three local government areas, Odukpani, Obubra and Bekwarra – have been selected to benefit from the pilot phase of the programme.
Other members of the State Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee include the Commissioners for Finance, International Development Cooperation (MIDC), Health, Commerce, Water Resources, Education, Agriculture and Environment.
The event was attended by the State Director of the Nigeria for Women Programme, Dr. Mrs. Affiong Ugbaja, alongside other relevant stakeholders and representatives of participating sectors.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
November 3, 2026
