BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF), has officially launched its Delta State Chapter with an inauguration ceremony in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State.
The event, saw Dr. Linda Ikpuri takes on the mantle of leadership as SWEF State Coordinator, while over 20 women were empowered through various initiatives aimed at enhancing their economic prospects.
Themed “The Bane of Gender Bias; and the Need to Restore Balance in Society,” the programme highlighted SWEF’s mission to uplift women in southern Nigeria by providing them with the tools necessary to maximize their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In her address, SWEF National President, Dr. Helen Adebakin, emphasized the persistent challenge of gender bias, which continues to hinder the progress of women and girls across various sectors.
“For far too long, women and girls have been denied opportunities, their voices silenced, and their potential left untapped,” she said. “But today, we stand united in declaring that enough is enough. It is time to restore balance and create a society where women can thrive equally.”
Meanwhile, the Queen of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Ebiyemi Omaseye, the Olujimi of Warri Kingdom, delivered the keynote address.
She commended the leadership of SWEF for its unwavering dedication to empowering women and fostering societal change toward a more equitable future.
In her inaugural speech, the Delta State Coordinator, Dr. Linda Ikpuri, pledged her commitment to advancing gender equality and driving social progress through SWEF’s various initiatives.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, HRM Kingsley Orereh, for sponsoring the empowerment program, which directly benefited over 20 women.
The event also featured a series of lectures and practical insights from state officials and industry leaders on how women can engage in small-scale businesses and acquire skills to diversify their income streams.
The panel discussion featured the Vice-chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Emma Agbaduba, Pioneer Director of the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas, Delta State Chapter, Ogochukwu Okekpolo-FSM, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Delta State Chapter, Barr. Mrs. Ogechi Megbele, and Executive Director of the Neferok Development Initiative, Ayo Okotie.
In appreciation of their support for SWEF’s mission, the wife of the Delta State Governor, Her Excellency Tobore Oborovwori, and former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro were respectively honored with the titles of Grand matron and Grand patron of the Delta State Chapter.
Notable attendees of the event included the Managing Director of Wellman Group of Companies and owner of The Monarchy Event Centre, Dcn. Chris Iyovwaye, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Chief. Shimite Love.
