Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum has called for the support of governments, the private sector and individuals to check domestic and gender-based violence, child abuse and trafficking in the country.
The forum made the appeal during the launch of the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), a pet project of the wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
The event which was held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital was attended by the wives of Imo State governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, her Ogun State counterpart, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and that of Cross River State, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu.
They commended Mrs Nwifuru for the initiative which focuses on improving health, education and general wellbeing of women and children, especially rural dwellers and the vulnerable people of Ebonyi State.
Mrs Nwifuru said she was motivated by her deep passion and concern for the well-being of women, children and vulnerable ones to set up the foundation.
The governor’s wife noted that the birth of the foundation was geared towards alleviating the plights of the downtrodden, creating awareness to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) and advocating for victims as well as supporting second chance education for the people of the state.
She said the project would achieve best results and make sustainable impact through collective efforts.
She appreciated her husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru, and his predecessor, former Governor Dave Umahi now minister of Works for giving her the platform to actualise her dreams.
In his remarks, Governor Nwifuru said the state government would back and support the foundation which he noted, would make life meaningful for the rural dwellers and improve the standard of living of the people.
The governor commended the wife of the president, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for inspiring wives of governors to provide quality life for the society.
Also at the event, Umahi acknowledged that health is important in improving the well-being of the people in the state.
The minister, who was the guest of honour, said Ebonyi State had continued progressively on the path of self-actualisation, building confidence for growth and development.
