Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, has hailed women as pivotal contributors to national development.

Soludo said this in his message on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day, marked on March 8 the world over.

The theme of the 2023 International Women’s Day is, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology For Gender Equality”.

The Statement which was signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, quoted the governor as saying that women had played outstanding roles in service and development and progress of Anambra in particular.

The governor said he was proud of working and associating with some of Anambra’s brightest women as members of his cabinet and other areas while thanking them for rendering selfless service to the State and society.

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication of women all over the world, particularly Anambra women who are unrelenting in their pursuit of an excellent society.

“I promise continued commitment to promoting gender equality, adherence to women’s rights and women participation in governance,” he said.

Soludo called on Anambra women to come out en masse to vote for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the March 11 State House of Assembly election, for continued development.

Soludo said this year’s theme is in line with his drive to raise a digital tribe of people who are competitive at home and exportable abroad.

He explained that it is the reason he is vigorously pursuing his agenda of everything technology and technology everywhere in the state.

According to Soludo, the theme highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and development needs of women and girls.

The IWD is marked annually on March 8 to recognise and honour the contributions of women to different fields across the world.