Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, along with Nana Shettima, the wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, and wives of state governors, participated in an event themed “Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development” held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The First Lady highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering women in society. She also commissioned the upgraded Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway, noting its potential to boost economic activities in Ebonyi State. The airport’s rehabilitation, costing N20 billion, resolved earlier structural issues that had rendered it non-operational.
During her address at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Senator Tinubu donated N50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to women, emphasizing the need for economic empowerment. She commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for exceeding the 35% affirmative action benchmark in female appointments, including appointing a female deputy governor and Secretary to the State Government. Additionally, she announced a grant of N1 million each to 130 women for business recapitalization.
The event also featured the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) retreat, where over 23 governors’ wives pledged to sustain the fight against GBV, advocate for six months of paid maternity leave, and promote HPV vaccination awareness to safeguard girls’ health. Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, led prayers and a road walk against GBV, urging the public to report abuses for immediate intervention.
The gathering underscored the commitment of Nigeria’s leaders to combating GBV and fostering sustainable development through women’s empowerment and inclusive policies.
