In a move to key into humanitarian service in the society, 16 people have received awards for their various outstanding contributions to their communities, courtesy Stand up for Women Society (SWS), Plateau State chapter.
Our correspondent reports that the epoch-making event took place during the end of year dinner/ award night of Stand up for Women and fund raising for the support of the less privilege, held at De Bridge Hotel, Jos, recently.
Speaking at the event, wife of the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Mrs. Helen M. Mutfwang who was represented by Barr. Mrs Olivia Dazyam, applauded the efforts of SWS for championing the course of fighting child trafficking in the state.
Barr. Mrs Mutfwang said that the cases of child trafficking have taken different dimension in the state, hence the need for all and sundry to join hands in order to fight the menace.
The first lady also cautioned parents to refrain from sending their children to other states in search for job. She challenged parents to always monitor their children so that they would not fall victims of children trafficking.
Barr. Mrs. Mutfwang equally expressed her readiness to partner with SWS, particularly in creating more awareness on the issue of child trafficking. She added that she would support any organisation that would change the social welfare of the people in the state.
Chairman of the occasion, Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman, Mangu Local Government Council (LGC), Hon. Markus Artu described the contributions of SWS as a laudable one which needs to be supported by citizens in order to improve the living standard of women and less privilege children.
In her remarks, SWS Vice President, North Central, Lib. Ladi Dinci Emmanuel said that the 7 states under her control are not relenting in their efforts in making the organisation’s various activities or programmes known to people, since their programmes are geared towards creating awareness, training and also empowering women among others.
Emmanuel commended SWS Plateau State chapter for the good work that they have done and encouraged them to sustain such tempo. She added that among the states within the north central, Plateau had the largest number of over 200 memberships in the state and called on other women to join the organisation.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, SWS Chairperson Mrs Grace Gora expressed happiness and thanked her members for the support and cooperation given her at all times and whenever she calls on EXCOs and members, particularly for meetings.
Mrs. Gora pointed out that SWS had membership in 5 countries and had its chapter across the 36 states. She added that Plateau chapter also has branches across the Local Government Area (LGAs).
SWS chairperson maintained that the target of the organisation is to develop women spiritually, politically, socially and economically, in the state, saying that they are doing everything possible to ensure that most of its programmes reach out to the grassroots women as far as their plan is concerned.
Mrs. Gora congratulated the awardees for their selfless service to their communities. She pointed out that the awards given them was no doubt, to further spur them to do more in their communities.
THE NIGERIA STANDARD reports that some of the awards recipients shortly after receiving the awards, thanked SWS for finding them worthy for the awards and promised to do more.
Our correspondent also reports that the theme for the event was “Child trafficking, a menace of the hour”. The occasion equally featured paper presentation on the above mentioned topic by Dr. Mrs. Zippora Duguryil, Director Centre of Excellence, FCE Pankshin, among others.
