By Sunday Ani
The Women Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WOCCIMA), has bestowed the MSME Champion of Nigeria award on Dr Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of the Cross River State Governor her impactful work in strengthening women-owned businesses and driving economic growth.
According to WOCCIMA’s director general, Weyimi Eribo, the award was a testament to Dr. Otu’s remarkable strides in empowering women to achieve self-reliance and embrace entrepreneurship.
Accepting the award on her behalf, Dr. Inyang Asibong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, conveyed her gratitude and renewed dedication, saying, “Her Excellency views this recognition as a mandate to amplify her efforts. She firmly believes that women empowerment is the cornerstone of sustainable economic development.”
She emphasized the importance of women’s economic participation, stating, “We are committed to accelerating women’s development in Cross River State. We have made significant progress in promoting enterprise, including our ongoing efforts to secure export licenses and open doors for our women to compete in the global marketplace.”
The Executive Director, Business Development, Nexim Bank, Stella Okotete, also empowered multiple businesses with a grant of N20 million to support their businesses. The event featured prominent figures, including Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government; Dr. Mercy Akpama, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Cross River State House of Assembly; Aisha Aminu, Director General, Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency and Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Others were Dr. Glory Effiong, accountant general; Great Ogban, director general, MEDA; Essien Bassey Edem, board chairman, MEDA; Dr. Virginia Ironbar, Director of Pre Degree Programme, Unical and Dr Wale Fansaya, immediate past director general of SMEDAN.