Muslim women seek greater inclusion in C/River empowerment initiatives

Muslim women in Cross River State have called on the state government to increase their inclusion in empowerment programmes, while expressing satisfaction with their growing sense of belonging. The appeal was made by the leader of the Muslim Women Association, Hajia Maryam Abashe, during a visit to the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, in Calabar, […]

Muslim women in Cross River State have called on the state government to increase their inclusion in empowerment programmes, while expressing satisfaction with their growing sense of belonging.

The appeal was made by the leader of the Muslim Women Association, Hajia Maryam Abashe, during a visit to the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, in Calabar, as part of activities marking the end of Ramadan.

Abashe commended the government for supporting the Muslim community and creating a leadership seat for Muslim women, noting that members no longer feel marginalised.

“It has been over five years since I visited my village; many of us have found a home in Cross River State,” she said.

She, however, urged the government to allocate a dedicated budget to support the Muslim women’s leadership office, stressing that such funding would enhance its effectiveness. The group also requested broader access to empowerment initiatives.

The delegation assured the government of continued support and prayers.

Responding, Ekpang reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, pledging that Muslim women would benefit from programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

He emphasised that religious differences would not affect government policies, noting shared values across faiths.

The commissioner also commended the group for its support of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration and assured them that their concerns would be considered in future programmes.

He urged the women to sustain their cooperation, adding that Cross River remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.