National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Gender and Development Action (GADA) has expressed concern over the recent appointment of 50 aides by Blessing Alims, the President of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Students Union Government (SUG).
This criticism came during a knowledge enhancement meeting focused on promoting Affirmative Action for women and the Gender Equality and Opportunity (GEO) bill in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
GADA’s Co-founder and Board Member, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, criticised Alims’ decision, stating it goes against the leadership values that GADA advocates.
Toyo highlighted that such large-scale appointments reflect a broader issue of mentorship deficits, a problem GADA is working to address.
Toyo remarked that the appointment came as a surprise, especially after GADA and other organisations had worked hard to elect UNICAL’s first female SUG President.
She emphasised the importance of effective mentorship, noting that many current leaders were mentored by figures like Dr. Aka Williams.
“We face challenges with mentorship, and it’s crucial for those in leadership positions to pave the way for others. If not managed well, these opportunities could close off future prospects for women,” Toyo said.
Honorable Mercy Akpama, representing Yakurr 2 State Constituency and Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Development and Social Welfare, also spoke at the meeting.
She stressed the importance of the GEO bill, asserting that it should not be subject to debate.
Akpama expressed her determination to push the bill through, despite being the only woman in the State House of Assembly, emphasising her commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women’s issues.
Akpama also noted that there is ongoing debate in the National Assembly over the terminology in the bill, with some male lawmakers suggesting replacing “equality” with “equity.”
She underscored the bill’s focus on gender equality, violence against women, people with disabilities, and youth development.
