Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has described women as critical drivers of economic growth, good governance, peace and sustainable development in the state.
Governor Nwifuru stated this on Wednesday at the grand finale of the 2026 Ebonyi Women August Meeting in Abakaliki.
Represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, the Governor said his administration recognised the indispensable contributions of women to the development of Ebonyi.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies and programmes aimed at empowering women, promoting gender equity and creating more opportunities for them across the state.
The Governor expressed hope that the annual August meeting would strengthen collaboration among women and inspire renewed efforts towards sustainable development.
The Governor’s wife, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, urged women to channel their resilience into promoting peace, development and strong family values.
She also called on the 52 market women who received financial assistance to utilise the funds effectively to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, represented by Augustine Umahi, commended the state government for increasing women’s participation in governance and urged the women to sustain their support for the administration’s development programmes.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike, described women as resourceful and indispensable to the state’s progress.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwakpuma, said the government would continue to prioritise women’s welfare, empowerment and development, including support for vulnerable groups.
Other speakers, including the Commissioners for Special Projects and Budget and Planning, Ngozi Obichukwu and Chinwe Okah, respectively, commended the administration’s inclusion of women in governance.
The women also pledged continued support for the Nwifuru administration, with Commissioner Chinwe Okah assuring that women would support the government ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Victoria Ogodo expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru and his wife for the financial assistance and other support provided to women across the state.
