The first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, launched the Cross River market momen forum in Calabar to empower women traders across the state.

Represented by Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the state governor, Mrs Tinubu described market women as critical drivers of family welfare and national economic growth.

She commended the establishment of the forum, saying it would advance the welfare, prosperity and economic inclusion of market women in Cross River governance.

According to her, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises women empowerment through improved access to opportunities, finance, skills and social support.

“I urge members of the forum to embrace unity, integrity and diligence in pursuing collective aspirations and sustainable development,” she said.

The first lady reaffirmed support for initiatives that uplift women and strengthen grassroots economic participation nationwide.

She also expressed support for President Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 polls, describing their leadership as beneficial to national and state development.

Earlier, the governor of Cross River, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, had praised his wife for championing women-focused programmes in the state.

He described market women as a formidable political and economic force capable of shaping the state’s future.

He urged women to obtain their permanent voter cards ahead of future elections and remain active participants in democratic processes.

He also took the opportunity to donate N30 million to support the forum’s activities.

In her address, Rita Egbe, the forum’s secretary, endorsed Messrs Tinubu and Otu for continued leadership.

Ms Egbe said the forum would strengthen local commerce through its planned microfinance bank and other empowerment initiatives.

She, however, appealed for improved market infrastructure, security, sanitation facilities and disaster recovery support to enhance trading activities across the state.

The women, who came out in their numbers from the 18 local government areas of the state in colourful uniforms, took part in a march past and received bags of rice and wrappers from the federal government.

(NAN)