By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Dr. (Mrs) Chinyere Ezenwokike, the founder of Tomorrow’s Women Development Organization (TWDO) and the Cofounder of Excellent Women International (EWI) has said that increase in women’s participation in leadership in Nigeria will impact posively in the country.
For this, she called for gender equity and affirmative action, saying that increase in women’s representation in leadership positions in Nigeria, will go a long way positively. She therefore emphasized the importance of women’s voices in decision-making roles.
Stressing that women are the bedrock of families and are well-suited to discuss issues affecting the nation and the family, she highlighted women’s prudence in resource management and suggested that increased representation in leadership positions would positively impact the country.
On the issue of women working against their fellow women in elections, Dr. Ezenwokike attributed it to poor orientation, greed, and lack of education. She emphasized the need for women to support each other in leadership roles and for policies that promote gender equality.
The TWDO founder spoke at the 23rd Annual International Conference of EWI in Abuja, themed: The Role of Nigerian Women in the Fight against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing issues like drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She stressed that women cannot work alone and need to partner with government agencies, communities, and schools to effect change.
Responding to concerns about the effectiveness of their efforts, Dr. Ezenwokike pointed to positive changes and good records of impact on the lives of children and youth. She emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and action to ensure that children are taken out of the wrong path and gain knowledge from their efforts.
A top official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has emphasized the crucial role women can play in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Etuka Chizoba, Assistant Director and NGO Liaison Officer at the NDLEA, stressed that women’s innate abilities, compassion, intuition, and courage are essential for national healing.
The NDLEA, Chizoba said, is committed to strengthening collaborations with women-focused organizations to expand awareness, enhance impact, and promote sustainable change. By ensuring gender inclusion, the agency aims to harness the potential of women in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Mrs Olorunfemi Olubukola, Director, Community Outreach and Development, representing the National Orientation Agency (NOA) says that the Agency is rolling out targeted campaigns to sensitize parents, particularly mothers, about the early warning signs of drug use among youth. The NOA is working with women’s associations, faith-based groups, and traditional institutions to spread awareness, build resilience, and create safe spaces for rehabilitation and reintegration.
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has also emphasized the essential role of women in fighting drug abuse. Represented by Mrs. Nnenna Medolibe, the NCWS noted that women carry enormous potential to shape minds, nurture values, and drive sustainable change. The organization is committed to supporting and amplifying efforts that empower women to take action against drug abuse.
The NCWS believes in a holistic approach that combines education, economic empowerment, parental engagement, and policy advocacy to create drug-free homes and communities. With women as key players, the organization is confident that a drug-free Nigeria is achievable.
Earlier, Dr. Christabel Regan Okoye, National Coordinator of EWI, emphasized the importance of involving women in lawmaking to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. According to Dr. Okoye, women play a vital role in shaping the nation and the home, and their participation in decision-making processes is crucial.
Dr. Okoye stressed that without women, homes and nations would lack direction and purpose. She advocated for increased representation of women in lawmaking bodies, citing their unique perspective and sense of responsibility.
The conference highlighted the need for a collective effort to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Dr. Okoye emphasized the importance of educating women on the dangers of drug abuse and empowering them to take an active role in preventing it.
Excellent Women International aims to reprogram women’s lives and equip them with knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their communities. The organization’s annual conference provides a platform for women to come together, share experiences, and learn from each other.
However, Miss Chiamaka Okoye, hailed the organization for effective awareness creation against drug abuse and Illicit trafficking, even as she charged the women to wake up to their responsibility of ensuring that the youth shun the illegal practice.
CF Digha Bomana, CSP Ohoh Anna Ochanya and Mrs Christiana Motonboni represented Nigerian Fire Service, the FCT Nigerian Police Command and the FCT Police Officers Wives Association respectively at the event.
These individuals and organizations are working to promote a safer, healthier community for Nigerians. Their efforts underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The conference urged stakeholders to unite toward addressing the issue.
