The Oseji Foundation For Transparency and Community Development organized a retreat for serving and retired female permanent secretaries in Asaba Delta state.
The Coordinator of the Foundation Dr. (Mrs) Minnie Oseji, Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry Of Environment admonished female permanent secretaries to reflect on their service to the state government and society at large.
She gave the charge during the retreat in commemoration of her 55th birthday in Asaba.
She said having the occasion with retired and serving Permanent Secretaries was in recognition of the pivotal role they play in governance of the state as well as appreciation for their demonstration of overcoming various biases in society that could have impeded their success.
She urged them to create a forum for networking as well as mentorship.
While speaking on the foundation which was born on December 12, 2012 in commemoration of the 20th wedding anniversary of Hon. Justice Samuel Oseji and Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji, she said the foundation has empowered communities by planning, implementing and evaluating self-help projects; collaborating with other organizations to advocate for transparency and community development.
While highlighting some of the activities of the foundation, she said they had provided free eye health care for residents of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North LGA in 2013; given prizes for best graduating pupil in Civic Education and Primary Science in Marble Hill School Okpanam in 2013; given donation to the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria in the State Branch Cancer Screening Project in 2017; Donation to Hephzibah Foundation Widows Outreach in 2021; Donation to Medical Women Association of Nigeria Delta State Branch for the organisation of International Women’s Day activity in 2022.
In her address, the wife of the state governor, Dame Edith Okowa who was represented by the Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, spoke on the role of philanthropy in community development.
She said everyone has a role to play in the development and wellbeing of their communities, hence they should be inclusive in addressing all the problems of the society.
Highlights of the event, were goodwill messages by some of the guests and keynote lectures on keys to being a successful career woman by Prof Joan Okoh and “managing stress for the career woman” by Dr. Mrs. Florence Ofovwe.