Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has described women as true backbone of national development, saying that Nigeria’s progress depends on active female participation in governance and community building.
Otu, who made the remark at the 2025 annual retreat of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), led by Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in Calabar on Saturday, declared, ‘’no woman, no nation.’’
He commended the NGSF members for their role in national development and humanitarian initiatives, describing them as “selfless architects of compassion” whose impact transcended politics.
He noted the significant strides his administration had so far made in healthcare delivery and immunisation coverage and highlighted the six-month paid maternity leave introduced for female civil servants as a model of gender-sensitive governance,
Otu added that the maternal deaths at primary healthcare facilities remained a concern that prompted upgrades and training of health workers to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and children.
Responding on behalf of the women, AbdulRazaq thanked Otu for hosting the retreat, praising Cross River’s progress in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
She described the state as “a home of grace, culture, and progress.”
She recalled that the forum evolved from Nigeria Governors’ Wives against Gender-Based Violence into a national platform for gender equality, women’s health, and family welfare.
“I applaud Cross River’s maternity leave policy and urged other South-South governors to emulate it because it strengthens families and improves workforce productivity,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat was attended by 22 First Ladies.
A communiqué reaffirming commitment to women’s health, gender equity, child welfare, and the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence was issued at the end of the meeting.
In the communique, the forum endorsed the reserved seat for women bill, six-month maternity leave adoption nationwide, and collaboration with donors, civil society, and health agencies to reduce maternal and child mortality.
It also supported the 2026 Renew HER Roadmap Strategy, aimed at improving health outcomes for women and girls.
It stressed the NGSF’s role in advocacy, partnership, and leadership.
