By Okworide Simeon
The South-South women organization with the slogan (wind of positive change)under the leadership of the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), held their 20 years anniversary on 13th December 2025, at West-brom Hotel Lagos.
In her welcome address, the president of the South-South women organization, Comrade Dr. Felida Osede Essi briefed the guests on how the organization was formed on the 7th of August, 2005, by their Grand patron, Super Comrade Joseph Evah at the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) headquarters, Lagos.
She noted that, the organization's mission is to empower the woman and girl-child of the South-South region, while upholding the principles of freedom, equality, Justice, integrity and human rights for all, while emphasis that, in the last two decades, the organization has been deeply involved in humanitarian, social and advocacy programmes.
She pointed out to the fact that, in the areas of humanitarian services, as part of their social responsibility, they have visited correctional centres across the country and orphanage homes where cash tokens and food items were donated to put smile on their faces.
The grand patron, Super Comrade Joseph Evah, while thanking and appreciating the South-South women organization led by Comrade Dr Felida Osede Essi, he urged them to do more and continued to spread the "Good News" of the South-South woman to other regions of Nigeria.
"I must say that, I am happy each time I see and heard about the things you have embarked on in the last "20 years" gladdened my heart. On this note, let me say congratulations, and more grease to your elbow ".
Super Comrade Joseph Evah, use the medium to urge the gathering, as a sign of respect, to observe a minute silence in honour of the departed Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjkpo who died recently in active service. He noted that, though, the late deputy governor was an Urhobo son, he was dedicated gentleman who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Bayelsa State, describing him as a man of peace.
In a keynote address delivered by the secretary of the South-South women organization, Mrs Esther Akasia, dwelled on the importance of the girl-child and why she must be attended to ----especially in the areas of education.
While profiling some of the South-South women, both late and present, who have exceedingly done well in their various areas of specialties, she noted that the priority of giving the girl-child affordable education should be encouraged among women.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of "Lifetime achievers award" presented to Super Comrade Joseph Evah by the Isoko Mirror Newspaper, in recognition of his immense contributions to the growth and development and support to humanity.
Some of the dignitaries present include:
Barr. George Utomhim , Mr Botus Pius, Mr Clifford, Mrs, Etatufe Blessing and hosts of others.
