Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo says the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has continued to support the course of women in the State, through empowerment and political positioning.
Banigo made this assertion during a courtesy visit by the Women Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, 21st February 2022.
The Deputy Governor said Wike sees professional women as great assets and value to the state, noting that professional women should get involved in politics to contribute their quota to the socio political development of the society.
“We as professional women have a lot to contribute to the development of our society and nation, be involved in politics get interested, register in your wards, get your voters cards, seek to elect the person you know can represent you, and even get yourself to be voted for because you are capable,” the deputy governor stressed
Banigo also disclosed that Rivers was the first State in which all the Vice Chairmen of Local Government Councils are women, stressing that the state has an unprecedented number of women as Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Women Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies, while a woman had been his Deputy since the inception of his administration in May 29th, 2015.
The Public Health Physician further informed the female quantity surveyors that they have a lot to contribute in their profession to make a positive impact.
“We need politicians who have principles, who have ethics, we cannot leave it to a few people, in your profession so much is happening you cannot just be lukewarm with all these collapses that are happening, recently, we had one in Lagos, you cannot afford to have a lukewarm attitude you must have to speak out and do something,” Banigo stressed.
In her response, the Chairperson of Women Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria, QS Priscilla Oluchi Akabudike informed the deputy governor that the Women Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria was established in November 2004, to encourage the continued involvement of women in the Quantity Surveying Profession and to provide appropriate support for the institute amongst the women.
She said under her watch as chairperson, the organization would explore other ways of collaboration and support with the Rivers State Government.
