Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, has urged women to take a more active role in promoting social change. He also urged them to help rebuild values across families and communities—emphasising the need for Bayelsa women social change efforts.
According to Vanguard, Akpe made the call on Wednesday when members of the Diri/Akpe Women Support Group from Bayelsa West Senatorial District visited him. They met at the Government House in Yenagoa to discuss Bayelsa women social change initiatives.
The deputy governor said women occupy an important position in nation-building because of their influence within families and communities. In fact, Bayelsa women social change has a vital impact on community development.
He explained that women’s involvement in behavioural change communication could help address insecurity, crime and other social problems. These issues are affecting the country.
Akpe also called for greater emphasis on value reorientation, contentment, hard work and respect for acceptable standards. He said this should be in both private and public life.
“As women and mothers, we appreciate the role you play in society. You birth today for tomorrow. And so, we all need to be agents of social engineering,” he said.
He expressed concern over what he described as rising entitlement mentality and unrealistic expectations among citizens. He noted that societies guided by strong values often record greater progress.
Akpe urged mothers to deliberately teach younger generations the importance of contentment, discipline and working honestly for success.
The deputy governor received the group alongside his wife, Favour Akpe, and thanked the members for their solidarity visit.
He described the establishment of the support group as thoughtful. However, he advised its members not to make political rewards or personal gains the main purpose of the organisation.
According to him, the group would achieve more lasting results if it focused on building relationships and supporting members. In addition, it should develop their capacities. Notably, much of the organisation’s success will depend on the ongoing commitment to Bayelsa women social change.
“If you want to have a long-lasting team, then don’t build it totally on political grounds and high expectations. That will not take us far. Build it on the foundation of relationships,” he said.
Akpe reminded the women that leadership opportunities could not come to everyone at the same time. Therefore, he urged them to remain patient and support one another.
He also warned against making hasty political decisions, saying politicians who acted irrationally often weakened their relevance. Furthermore, he said this reduced their chances of future opportunities.
The deputy governor encouraged the group to expand its activities beyond politics by building strong personal and professional relationships.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the leader of the group, Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, pledged the members’ support for Akpe. She also pledged support for the Assured Prosperity administration of Governor Douye Diri.
Ndiomu-Brown, who represents Sagbama Constituency III in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, said the group would work with other supporters. Their aim is to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress in future elections.
Other members of the delegation included the Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, Deme Pamosoo, and the Chairman of the Tarakiri Rural Development Authority, Ann Enebimoere Asamkpere. The Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board, Stella Ugolo, was also included.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Martha Jenakumo, and former Commissioner for Education, Sylvia Brigidi, also attended the meeting.
