Thousands of market women across Cross River State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu, endorsing both leaders for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made during the inauguration of the Cross River State Market Women Forum in Calabar, an initiative spearheaded by the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to promote the welfare, economic empowerment, and representation of women traders across the state.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Otu described the forum as a platform designed to amplify the voices of market women, improve their economic opportunities, and strengthen their role in grassroots development. She noted that the initiative grew out of activities marking the 2024 International Women's Day celebration and has evolved into a structured movement for women traders across the state.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, the forum was praised as a strategic vehicle for advancing women's economic inclusion and supporting the objectives of the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. The message emphasized that empowering women economically contributes to stronger families, resilient communities, and sustainable development.
The governor's wife urged market women to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process, stressing that their votes remain a powerful tool for shaping leadership and public policy. She also unveiled several empowerment packages, including cash grants, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, business starter packs, wrappers, umbrellas, aprons, and bags of rice for traders.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Rita Egbe expressed optimism that the forum would improve access to financing, strengthen local businesses, and expand entrepreneurship opportunities. She also called for greater government support in areas such as market security, road infrastructure, sanitation, and disaster recovery assistance.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the gathering, Deputy Governor Peter Odey commended the initiative and urged market women to remain politically engaged, arguing that the current administration deserves another term to consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and women empowerment.
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