Dr Betta Edu, serving as the Co-Director of the Women Directorate for the Presidential Campaign Council, recently rallied over 5,000 market women and small-business owners in Calabar, Cross River State, to canvass support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu. During the large-scale outreach, 500 selected petty traders were given financial grants of ₦50,000 each to help boost their commercial enterprises.
This empowerment program was executed under the auspices of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at strengthening small-scale commercial ventures operated by women. In total, the intervention disbursed ₦25 million, providing critical working capital to help beneficiaries replenish their inventory, enhance purchasing power, and stabilize their household income.
How did the outreach unfold in Calabar?
The massive gathering brought together female traders from various commercial hubs throughout Calabar. Alongside the cash distribution, the event featured a lively dance competition where participants won consolation prizes and household appliances, including deep freezers, blenders, toasters, and designer clothing.
Discussions during the assembly heavily focused on grassroots political mobilization for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event blended political advocacy with celebratory songs, dancing, and communal prayers for the federal administration. One enthusiastic participant voiced her gratitude, stating, “Mr President, thank you. God bless you. Cross River will vote for you and sweet Prince!”
What message did Edu share with the women?
Addressing the crowd, Edu charged the women to deepen grassroots campaigns within their local neighborhoods. She advised them to engage neighbors, fellow traders, and family members to propagate the political agenda of the ruling party.
She further urged them to maintain active contact with newly mobilized supporters to guarantee comprehensive electoral success for the party at both the state and federal tiers. “You must hand-hold every woman you have spoken to and ensure the vote for APC from top to bottom in the next election, please,” Edu instructed the participants.