By Our Reporter
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) is proud to announce the inauguration of Princess Edna Azura as its new National President for a two-year term, as she succeeds the late Lami Lau, who served as the 15th National President until her untimely passing on June 5, 2024.
In a ceremony marked by a deep sense of commitment and honor, Princess Edna Azura pledged to prioritize women’s rights and foster an inclusive leadership model centered on unity and growth.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who emphasized the importance of fairness and equity as foundational principles of leadership within the council.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim articulated the collective potential women have in driving progress across various sectors, stating: “Together we can achieve so much in this country, as women are leading in many sectors. There is no reason why we cannot do more for the country.” She further outlined the NCWS’s commitment to ensuring access to markets and finance, safeguarding the rights of women and children, and enhancing support systems for child development and protection.
During the event, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary for the Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), while presenting a memorial magazine in honor of the the legacy of Lami Lau as an icon who made a significant impact on the status of women in Nigeria, encouraged all women to continue her work towards the empowerment and development of women and the nation as a whole.
In her acceptance speech, Princess Edna Azura reaffirmed her dedication to the principles championed by her predecessor and articulated her vision for the NCWS: “I pledge to work diligently and relentlessly to empower women, sustain our collective drive, foster unity, and elevate the NCWS to even greater heights.”
Earlier, Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, First Vice President, who was the acting National President, NCWS, expressed appreciation to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady and Grand Patron, NCWS for her unwavering support for women.
According to her, “We want to see more women in politics, more women attain positions of authority,”.
The inauguration ceremony also included the disbursement of over 17million naira dedicated to various council zones to support women empowerment projects across the nation. This financial support is aimed at promoting development initiatives that uplift and empower women and their communities.
As NCWS embarks on this new chapter of leadership under Princess Edna Azura, the council remains committed to advocating for the rights of women, promoting social and economic empowerment, and fostering a united front for women nationwide.
