Women Task FG on Insecurity,Unemployment

By Cynthia Igbokwe

The Anglican Women’s Conference, Diocese of Awka, Province of the Niger, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari- led Federal Government to tackle the spate of insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria.

This was contained in a Communique at the 35th Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference, held at St. Mark’s Church, Aguluzigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, with the theme, “The Name of the Lord is a Great Tower”.

They also urged President Mohammadu Buhari to make security a priority in his administration, especially by addressing the attacks by herdsmen on farmers and their farms.

The communique further stated that there was an urgent need for government to be more proactive in the security of life and farms of Nigerians, as women and children were the most vulnerable in security and food concerns.

It also blamed the high rate of trafficking in human persons by the youths to the absence of enabling environment in the country. The Conference also called on the Federal Government to tackle rising unemployment of youths and encourage vocational training and skill acquisition to empower the youths.

The women affirmed support on the recent declaration of the Governors of 17 Southern States on open grazing of livestock in their respective states, stating that it would curb the problems of food insecurity and farmers/ herdsmen clashes.

Speaking on the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State, the Conference led by the President, Mothers Union Women’s Guild and Girl’s Guild, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, as well as the wife of the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Diocese of Awka Anglican Communion, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim, urged INEC to make it fair, free and credible and to desist from any form of compromise.

She enjoined politicians to eschew bitterness and all forms of electoral malpractice.

While delivering her presidential address, the President, Mrs Ibezim, said herdsmen’s attacks on farmers across the nation created room for worries, security and food concerns.

In her words, ‘There is a need for government to be more proactive in the security of the life and farms of Nigerians as our women and children are the most vulnerable in security and food concerns. The government can do more to restore the confidence of farmers this farming season.

‘Nigeria has gone down badly in the security of life and property. Blood is wasted every day in the North, South, East and West. We call on our president and the political leadership to prioritize security and restore the hopes of mothers and children in the country.

‘Without adequate security of life and property in Nigeria, no meaningful development can take place. Business thrives in a secure environment. Academic works in higher institutions, and even in the middle and lower schools, take place effectively when the environment is secure,’ she said.

For her part, the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano, commended Archbishop Ibezim and his wife, for their dedicated mission in empowering women in all ramifications, as well as their uncommon interest in the growth and development of women in her diocese and province, by engaging them meaningfully in skill acquisition, trade and education.

Represented by the former chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Anambra State, Lady Joy Ulasi, the Anambra First Lady charged the women to step up their prayer lives, as, according to her, society was facing turmoil and only a dedicated woman, deeply rooted in prayers, that could overcome all.

The ceremony featured the launch of the Christian Family Magazine; presentation of profile mother, Ezinne Hannah Adogu, who is 99 years; cutting of conference cake, special renditions, among other things.

The cerer, Ezinne Hannah Adogu, who is 99 years; cutting of conference cake, special renditions, among omony featured the launch of the Christian Family Magazine; presentation of profile mothether things.