UN honours Akwa Ibom first lady

Martha Udom, wife of Akwa Ibom state governor, has bagged the “Champion of Sustainable Development Goals” award of the United Nations, UN, conferred on her by Antonio Guterres, United Nations secretary general.

The award was conferred on her for using her position and non-governmental platform, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative FEYReP, to advance the cause of women and children in the state.

The award was conferred on the First Lady by the UN Secretary General
through his Nigerian representative, the resident humanitarian coordinator, Edward Kallon, who led a high-powered delegation of the organization on a courtesy visit to the governor’s wife at government house, Uyo.

Guterres said he was on a mission to appraise and reinforce the existing partnership with the state government and FEYReP, having heard and read of the many life-changing initiatives of the governor’s wife through her non-governmental organization.

He said he was impressed with the visionary leadership of the governor and foresight of the governor’s wife in championing many opportunities for women, especially in the areas of women empowerment, sexual reproductive health and constant advocacy against gender based violence.

“It is a pleasure to be here to meet you in person and appraise things for myself. I must commend you for the enormous work you are doing in using your position and platform to pioneer and champion the cause of women in the state and the country at large,” he said.

The UN Scribe noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, women were abused in many forms all over the world, saying he was happy to know that the state has since domesticated the VAPP law to arrest culprits while thanking the first lady for her role and support towards the domestication of the legislation, he promised to partner more with her platform to break more grounds.

Responding, the recipient appreciated the UN chief for his kind words and the honour done her, saying her efforts have been that of providing women, the girl child and children equal opportunities.

She thanked the body for the support given her in advocating against rape and gender based violence in the state.

In her words, “We have been very vocal against rape and violence against women against in this state and this has resulted in many speaking up and seeking justice.

“We have worked closely with sister groups like International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, National Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, and the Nigeria Medical Women Association NMWA to push out our messages and this has elicited positive reactions from the public”.