By Brave Dickson
Women under the aegis of the Niger Delta Women League said they will stage a million-man march beginning on September 14 to sack the NDDC boss Samuel Ogbuku from office.
The group frowned at the outright exclusion of women from the activities of the NDDC under the leadership of Ogbuku.
In a release sent to our correspondent, the women said, “Dr Samuel Ogbuku led NDDC prepared a budget of N876 billion without any single project for the health, education of women.
“With less than N30 billion, we could have one specialist hospital built in every Niger Delta State, to take care of one health condition or another related to female health challenges.
“Not one single project or scheme targeted at improving infant mortality, maternal mortality or girl child education.
“What about creating specific economic empowerment schemes/programs for the Niger Delta woman, knowing that the informal business sector (SMEs) is the major driver of any economy.
Soft loans and grants as a major instrument.
“The reason behind all the agitations that led to armed struggle was for the inclusion of our people and region, given that our land, air, and waterways have been grossly violated by pollution from Oil and Gas activities.
“It therefore becomes very painful, inconsiderate, and deliberate that the Niger Delta woman, who is at the base of it all is excluded in a systemic manner.
“This is a grand conspiracy against the Niger Delta woman and we say NO to it.
“Niger Delta women cannot play second fiddle anymore. We refuse to be ignored anymore.
“There must be conscious/deliberate policies to address the economic development of the Niger Delta woman.
“Dr Samuel Ogbuku led NDDC must as a matter of urgency evolve a roadmap to address issues of; Targeted economic empowerment, Maternal mortality rate,
Infant mortality rate, and Girl child education amongst others.
“This is the only way to grow a productive populace of the female gender in the Niger Delta region.
Sadly, with all the trillions spent by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his predecessors, not a single penny was dedicated to considering the plight of the Niger Delta woman.
“THAT’S WHY WE SAY ACT NOW OR LEAVE THE COMMISSION.”
The women’s group also ratified the proposed one million-man march with the following signatories:
-
Hon. Sheila Abiye Tamuno
National President -
Ajemina Gobo
Rivers State Co-ordinator -
Madam Eureal Allagoa
Bayelsa State Co-ordinator -
Madam Glory A Akpama
Cross Rivers State. Co-ordinator. -
Eucharia Ezidimma Ewurum.
Imo State Co-ordinator -
Madam Isesele Francisca Ofure,
Edo State Co-ordinator. -
Madam Unwana Ibanga,
Akwa Ibom State Co-ordinator. -
Chief Okubakere Ominisan,
Ondo State Co-ordinator. -
Madam Happy Otojareri,
Delta State Co-ordinator. -
Madam Amarachi Lydia Clairebelle Ijezie,
Abia State Co-ordinator. -
Amb. Ojineme Enakheme
FCT Coordinator
