Betty Apiafi, former senator, vows full support for women’s empowerment, partners PHCCIMA

L-R: Betty Apiafi and Chinyere Nwoga

Betty Jocelyne Okagua-Apiafi, former senator, has recommitted to supporting women businesses, even as she has highlighted ongoing barriers.

She mentioned the barriers to include limited support for women to grow their businesses and knowledge gaps impeding progress. She called for greater emphasis on education and skills development.

Making her remark, the former senator, on visit to Chinyere Nwoga, president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on her as life vice president of the city chamber.

She pledged steadfast dedication to PHCCIMA’s mission—particularly in championing opportunities for women, youth, and entrepreneurs.

Lauding Nwoga’s passionate advocacy, she emphasized the need for collective effort: women must take active roles in shaping high-level decisions and policies rather than merely receiving assistance.

She urged women to support one another while encouraging strong backing from men, committing to deploy all available resources to empower the next generation through close collaboration with the Nwoga-led PHCCIMA leadership.

The event was seen as a landmark ceremony at the PHCCIMA secretariat where she was conferred with the prestigious title.

The event was said to have marked a significant step in strengthening public-private sector ties for socio-economic advancement of Rivers State and Nigeria.

Nwoga had warmly received the former lawmaker, hailing the occasion as a pivotal moment for collaboration. She praised Apiafi’s pioneering journey as the first woman from Rivers State to serve in both the House of Representative and the Senate.

The PHCCIMA leader spotlighted the senator’s lasting impact on economic development, education, women’s empowerment, and youth initiatives, including her ongoing service on the board of governors at Brookstone Schools in Port Harcourt.

Nwoga proposed robust joint efforts and policy advocacy to equip youth with essential modern skills and entrepreneurial mindsets.

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