Ekpa leads ministers, other Perm Secs, to Uyo for gender equity summit

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

All is now set for the 21st Regular Council Meeting on Women Development which will hold in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital from August 22-27, 2021 and organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The Permanent Secretary, Amb.Anthonia Akpabio Ekpa, gave the

hint during a visit to the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, to intimate the State of the choice of Uyo of the choice of city for the summit.

Amb. Ekpa stated that the event will bring together, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Development Partners, Country Representatives, Programme Managers and Civil Society Organisations and relevant Ministries across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to the Perm Sec, gender inequality, women and social development in the society are among issues expected to be brainstormed on by participants during the six day long event.

Ekpa said the theme of the meeting is “Gender Equality:A Panacea for Enduring Security and Sustainable Economic Development in the Post-COVID-19 Era.”

According to her, Akwa Ibom state was chosen by Delegates in their last Council Meeting held in Akure, Ondo State and thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government for honouring the women by accepting to host the equality summit.

Receiving the delegation, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem who frowned at gender discrimination in the society, warned against such uncivilised practice, as according to him, quality knows no gender.

Dr. Ekuwem informed his guests that the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led Administration is gender sensitive as exemplified in the appointments of many women to serve in his government as commissioners,chairmen and members of boards and Commissions as well as Permanent Secretaries.