Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, announced that the State Government has paid N450 million as a counterpart fund for the Nigerian Women Project in the state.
Nwifuru made this statement on Saturday while declaring open this year’s Ebonyi Women’s August Meeting, themed: “A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.”
He explained that the project, a World Bank-assisted program, aims to enhance all aspects of womanhood. The initiative will impact all 13 Local Government Areas of the state, empowering women at the grassroots level through farming, skills acquisition, and other activities designed to boost self-reliance.
The governor advised women to educate their children about the culture of their husbands’ ethnic groups.
He also commended the Ebonyi women for their choice of the theme for this year’s conference, describing it as timely and capable of reminding women of their significant role in God’s plan for the family and nation-building. He noted that the theme resonated deeply, acknowledging the role his wife, Mary-Maudline, plays in building and nurturing families and communities in the state.
Earlier, in a speech, the Wife of the Governor urged women to reflect on the purpose of the gathering and implement the lessons learned in their individual homes. She also called on them to deepen their commitment, responsibilities, and roles to improve society and restore lost societal values.
“The August Meeting is an important event that reminds us to do more, to develop the state and our nation. A wise woman builds her home; let this serve as both an encouragement and a challenge for each one of us. It calls us to embrace our roles as the nurturers of society,” she said.
The Chairperson of the event, Mrs. Eunice Egwu, commended the women for turning out in large numbers and encouraged them to continue building their homes and society. The wife of former Governor Sam Egwu also praised Governor Nwifuru for his support and commitment to women’s empowerment.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, urged women to be resilient and hopeful, stating that the current administration remains committed to enhancing all aspects of womanhood. She assured that the World Bank project would have a cross-sectoral impact on every woman in the state.
The conference featured lectures on ending drug abuse, maintaining proper hygiene practices, and applying these lessons at home. Fertilizers were distributed to women in agriculture, while 195 persons received ICT equipment, barbing kits, and sewing machines. The Office of the Governor’s Wife also distributed sewing machines, 25kg bags of rice, and organized a medical outreach during the meeting.
