Igala women in Delta State have called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to include them in the state government’s empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes.
The appeal was made by the Chairlady of Igala Women General, Mrs. Naomi Alhassan, during a fundraising ceremony held at the premises of the College of Education, Warri, to acquire an 18-seater bus estimated at ₦40 million.
Founded on April 10, 2022, at the palace of the late Onu Igala in Warri with just four women, Igala Women General has grown to over 250 members drawn from different parts of Delta State.
The ceremony, which showcased Igala culture and sisterhood, attracted various socio-cultural groups under the umbrella of the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), as well as representatives of the Hausa, Yoruba, Ilaje, and Edo communities who came to show solidarity.
According to Mrs. Alhassan, the bus project is intended to enhance the group’s operations across the state and serve as a unifying symbol for Igala women.
Mrs. Alhassan highlighted the group’s achievements, which include promoting the Igala identity, participating in community development projects, and encouraging women’s involvement in civic duties.
She revealed that several members had benefited from skill acquisition trainings and small-scale business support programmes, while appealing for further government and non-governmental intervention to sustain women’s empowerment and reduce poverty in homes.
In his remarks, the Onu Igala of Delta State, Oga Ata, commended the women for their unity of purpose, describing their initiative as a reflection of the strong historical bond between the Igala and Itsekiri people, which dates back over 800 years.
The Chief Launcher, Hon. Michael Merogun, represented by Hon. Young Green and Chijindu Emeruwa, lauded the women’s vision and expressed delight in supporting their cause.
The colourful event brought together executives, zonal leaders, and members of the Igala Women General from across Delta State, who described the occasion as a milestone in their collective journey toward empowerment, unity, and progress.
