Celebrating The Women Who Make Cross River Proud

Cross River women gathered to celebrate something far greater than an award. They gathered to celebrate excellence, courage, service and the enduring strength of the Cross River woman.

One hundred (100) remarkable women were honoured for distinguishing themselves in their various fields of endeavour, and I was deeply humbled and delighted to be among those recognised. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend such an epoch-making occasion as I am currently out of the country. It would have been my greatest joy to be physically present at such a remarkable event and to celebrate alongside these outstanding women.

There is a special beauty in women celebrating women. It is a reminder that our achievements are not only personal victories; they are also milestones for the generations coming behind us. When one woman breaks a barrier, she makes the path a little wider for another. When one woman rises, she shows another that rising is possible.
What makes the list even more remarkable is the depth of intellectual and academic excellence it represents. Among the honourees are distinguished academics, scholars and Vice-Chancellors who, have risen to the highest levels of intellectual leadership, alongside women who have excelled brilliantly in their academic pursuits and professional careers. Their inclusion reminds us that the Cross River woman continues to distinguish herself not only in public service and enterprise, but also in the world of knowledge, scholarship and intellectual achievement.

Cross River has a proud history of women who have dared to make a difference. From the days of the great Chief Margaret Ekpo, women in our state have stood courageously alongside men, making sacrifices, providing leadership and contributing to the development of our communities, our state and our nation.
Yesterday’s recognition goes beyond politics. Many of the women honoured are not politicians. They are professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, administrators, educators, academics and women who have simply excelled in their chosen fields and made meaningful contributions to society. That is the Cross River spirit we must continue to celebrate.

I congratulate all 100 women who were honoured. Your stories, your journeys and your achievements are worthy of celebration. May your recognition encourage many more women to believe in themselves, pursue excellence and use their gifts in the service of humanity.

I must specially applaud the Chief Librarian of the Cross River State Library Amb. Dr. Eme-Ekanem Awatt for this thoughtful and inspiring initiative. She has demonstrated that she is truly a square peg in a square hole.
To the organisers, the awardees and every woman who continues to give her best to Cross River, thank you for making our state proud.

– Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, OON