Wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has called on Nigerian women to take concrete steps that would help them break barriers to their advancement in all spheres of life.
She noted that it is time for women to show boldness and take decisive actions that will accelerate progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ebonyi State and beyond.
The first lady stated this during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Addressing a gathering of women, Mrs Nwifuru reiterated that International Women’s Day is not just about celebration but a moment of reflection on the struggles women have faced and the urgent actions needed to bridge gender gaps in education, healthcare, governance and economic opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,’ is a clarion call for immediate and sustained efforts to close gender disparities,” she said.
The first lady highlighted the importance of shifting from advocacy to implementation to ensure that every woman or girl has the opportunity to dream, work and lead without limitations.
She encouraged women to join small collective financial investments to help sustain their families.
The deputy governor, Mrs Patricia Obila commended the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her empowerment programmes which Mrs Nwifuru had been trickling down to women.
Princess Obila advised women to always create peaceful co-existence in their communities to actualise the growth and development of the state.
The commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma commended the transformational roles of women towards gender equality and human capacity development in the state.
