As part of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, the You Matter Charity Foundation has honoured women who have excelled in various professional fields with awards.
The awards presented on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Iyede Grammar School, Otor-Iyede, in Isoko North Local Government Area, were part of activities to commemorate the international day organised by the wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
Also, a trade exhibition for rural women, providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their farm produce and other items was organised.
Speaking on the global theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the governor’s wife praised the virtues and achievements of women, emphasizing that the celebration was an opportunity to recognize the vital role women play in nation-building.
She said, “Women make the world beautiful; I can confidently say that women are excellent organisers who can transform raw materials into finished products. Specially created with the will to succeed, women have conquered many areas, including childbearing, family life, politics, academics, business, and public service.”
“Women are seen and heard in high places, and we have proof that we are making progress. I am proud to be a woman; please celebrate your sister sitting by your side and give her a warm hug. Women are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“As the theme for this year implies, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ I urge us to celebrate this day by overhauling our mindset. Our attitude toward one another should change; let us create new opportunities for women around us. Do not oppress women who are working with you; support that woman who is struggling to survive. Help fight poverty, celebrate women’s achievements, and love one another.”
She emphasized that her foundation is celebrating the “Ordinary Woman” of Delta State at this year’s event, because “Women Empowerment is the topmost agenda of the You Matter Charity Foundation, which is why we are joining the rest of the world to celebrate the Ordinary Woman to inspire and include her in the scheme of things. The choice of the rural area is apt because the rural woman is important to the growth of society.”
Four distinguished women who have been exceptional in their diverse endeavours were recognized at the event. The women include the member representing Oshimili South State Constituency, Barr Bridget Anyafulu, acknowledged for her advocacy against Human Trafficking, and Inspector Mary Akaeze, recognized for her outstanding Traffic Control.
Others are Mrs. Comfort Atanaruno, honoured for her outstanding role in Women’s Development; and Mrs. Grace Oghenekevwe Edafe, recognized for her outstanding role in Ozoro community.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community, and Community Development, Princess Pat Ajudua, and the wives of the Kings of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Queen Ofejiro Egbogbo, and Iyede Kingdom, HRM Queen Grace Okpakpor, in their goodwill messages, commended the initiative of Deaconess Oborevwori in choosing to celebrate the hardworking women in rural communities on this year’s International Women’s Day.
The colourful celebration featured cultural dances, an exhibition, free medical examinations, and the distribution of drugs, along with the presentation of clothing materials to 100 women by Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
The high point of the event was the outright purchase of all agricultural produce, processed food items, and crafts displayed at the temporary market by the governor’s wife and other dignitaries. The purchased items were subsequently donated to the indigent citizens of the community.
