By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Former Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Chinwe Ogbuka, has been honored with the award for Outstanding Public Relations Practice and Leadership at the 2025 International Women’s Day Conference.
The award, presented by AMA, recognizes Dr. Ogbuka’s exceptional contributions to public relations and her leadership prowess. This accolade is a testament to her dedication and expertise in her field.
Ogbuka was honoured along with the vice Chancellor of Nasarawa state university, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, who was also awarded with “Icon of Education Development“, and an array of ten other distinguished Women who received awards of excellence.
The ceremony, which was graced by dignitaries, policymakers, business leaders and ordinary Nigerians, in Abuja on Friday, marked the 2025 International Women’s Day.
Receiving the award, Lady Dr Chinwe Ogbuka , thanked the organizer for the recognition accorded her.
She said the award was for all Nigerians and the women especially, to rise up to the reality of the time through which they can fight the challenges brought by their oppressors.
Speaking at the conference,the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Nigeria Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the wellbeing of women is not merely a goal but is a mandate.
According to him, he was deeply honored to be part of this crucial dialogue and lending voice to a cause that is both timely and timeless.
“The wellbeing and security of our women with the ‘theme of the year’s International Women’s Day, “Accelerating Action for the Wellbeing of Women,” compels us to move beyond promises and pledges. It demands coordinated, visible, and impactful action”.
He noted that it is not optional but essential to the progress of any society and that from the security perspective, ‘ensuring the wellbeing of women through effective security Management: What women should know’ aligns with our mandate in the Nigeria Police Force to protect with integrity and to create an environment where women can live without fear, intimidation, or harm.
Olumuyiwa, who was represented at the occasion by SP Orvenome Ikwen Phd, added that security, in this context, goes beyond the presence of armed officers – it involves building a structured, responsive, and human system that prevents harm, guarantees justice and preserves the dignity of women at all levels.
“In an ever-changing world where insecurity presents itself in multiple and complex forms, ranging from domestic violence and trafficking to cyber harassment and systemic gender-based violence, women must be equipped not only with protection but with the knowledge and confidence to actively engage in their own security”.
“Effective security management is not the sole domain of law enforcement agencies; it involves the active participation of every woman in understanding how security systems function, how to access them, and how to demand accountability from them.Women should understand that their safety is a fundamental human right, not a privilege”, he said.
The Force spokesman, further, stated that this right is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and reinforced by several progressive legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
He noted that these instruments provide a protective shield against violence and abuse, while also empowering women to pursue justice when their rights are violated.
“However, these laws become truly meaningful when women are aware of them, trust them, and are encouraged to use them.An essential aspect of security management is the ability to recognize risk and respond appropriately”.
On his part, the President and Chairman of Council, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, said that that the challenge of Nigeria is not of resources but about leadership.
He charged women to strive to know the differences between equality and equity.
According to him, equity is stronger than equality and therefore, women should go for equity and strongly demand for what belongs to them.
Earlier, in his welcome address by the CEO, Advanced Management Academy (AMA), the organizer of 2025 International Women’s Day Conference, Peter Oyeneye PhD said the special day directed people to consider the issues women are facing and inspires men and women to consider how the challenges can be addressed.
“Instead of looking the other way when people see unpleasant situation about woman or a girl child, the discussion and issues of IWD make people consider what to do to redress the situation”, he said
