The United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, has received a traditional honour for her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Nigeria. The Ona of Abaji, His Royal Majesty Adamu Baba Yunusa, conferred on Eyong the title of Yar Amana FCT, recognizing her efforts to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and all forms of discrimination against women and girls.
“The reward for hard work is to do more,” Eyong said, accepting the honour. “This recognition from the traditional institution is deeply meaningful. Our struggle for women’s inclusion begins at the grassroots, where harmful practices are most prevalent.”
The event was attended by stakeholders from various organizations, including the Cameroon Embassy, UN Women staff, women-led organizations, and religious groups. The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, described the honour as well-deserved, noting that it reflects the community’s growing reputation as a model for peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.
Eyong pledged to intensify efforts toward building a just society where women and girls can thrive. The recognition is seen as a boost to the fight against harmful traditional practices and gender-based violence in the Federal Capital Territory.
