The Queens of the Niger Delta, a Non Governmental organisation, has honoured the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, with an award- Giant Stride Award.

Mr. Gideon Whites, the Manager of the NGO, presented the award at a ceremony in Abuja, saying that Emefiele was honoured for his contributions to the growth of the financial sector in Nigeria.

Whites said that the ceremony concided with the 10th anniversary of the NGO.

“We are in Abuja to honour you as part of our programme to mark our 10 anniversary and also to intimate you of our National Mass Youth Empowerment Programme and Niger Delta National Exhibition which will begin on April 1,” he said.

According to him, the aim and objectives of the group is to promote peaceful co-existence of Niger Delta and Nigeria in general.

He said that the group was out to promote Niger Delta beautiful languages, resourceful fabrics wonderful tourist sites and tasteful foods.

“We are a non religious, non ethnic and non governmental organisation. Since our inception in 2011, we have 4,234 members, we have 560 for 2021.

“I think we are doing well as members spread across the country. Most in the Queens of the Niger Delta are students and young girls,” he said.

Also Miss Victoria Samuel, who is also the Queen of Cross River, said that the upcoming programme was targeted at youth empowerment and anti-drug abuse campaign.

“As part programmes marking our tenth anniversary, we are formally launching our National Mass Youth Empowerment Programme and Niger Delta National Exhibition on April 1 in Jos, Plateau.

“We will kick start our Nationwide Tour by organising mass enlightenment programme in various primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the federation, beginning with North Central zone.

“During the enlightenment programme, we intend to sensitise the young people about adverse effects of drug abuse, as total abstinence from drugs will qualify participants to participate in our skills acquisition programme.

“We intend to give an initial take off grant of N500,000 each to every successful candidate that completes our skills acquisition programme,” she said.

Responding, Emefiele, represented Mr Akpama Uket, the Administrator, Corporate Communication Department, CBN, thanked the NGO for the award.

“The management of the Bank mandated me to come and receive this award on behalf of the Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

“I bring greeting from him that he loves to be here, but he is in another national assignment, that is why he is unable to be here.

“So, I have taken note of all that you have said. I have seen our beautiful ladies. I will go and communicate all you said to the management. Thank you very much for your presentation,” he said.

He urged the group to take advantage of the numerous empowerment programmes available on the CBN’s website.

-NAN