Gender-Based Violence: Ngwf Hold 2nd Annual Conference In Abuja

The 2nd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (@ngw_forum) held today, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. My colleagues across the States of the Federation were joined by, the Chair, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the British High Commissioner, H.E. Catriona Laing, and other distinguished dignitaries raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV).

As part of our efforts towards ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, this year’s conference themed: “Sustaining Action on the State of Emergency Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)”, was organized to share a comprehensive overview of the forum’s commitment to the declared State of Emergency on GBV across the States and the roles of the First Ladies in supporting SGBV programs.

The NGWF Chair and First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi, encouraged the audience in her welcome speech by declaring, “Let us Orange the World and end violence against women now.” The event provided an opportunity for several Developing Partners, and Government officials to share their goodwill messages in support of the cause.

Thereafter, the Chairman of the NGF and Executive Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, assured us of the plans and commitment of other State Governors to the work the forum is trying to achieve. The First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Buhari, who graced us with her presence commended the NGWF for their hard work and dedication over the past years. The event included a peer-review session where an overview of the effectiveness of last year’s campaigns across the States was shared and new strategies for the upcoming year, were proposed. The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, H.E. Dame Pauline Tallen also delivered an outstanding speech on the steps the ministries has taken over the past year.

The conference ended with a closing remark by the Secretary, NGWF and First Lady of Kwara State, H.E. Amb. Dr. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, where she charged everyone to keep creating new and innovative strategies to aid the fight against GBV across the Federation. The goal of this conference is to create a world free from gender-based violence, where every female has the power, voice, and choice to thrive.

I applaud the members of NGWF for their active participation, support, and commitment to this cause. My special gratitude goes to the Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Hon. Nkechinyere Ugwu and Member Representing Njaba State Constituency, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Amb. Uju Onwudiwe, who represented me at this glorious occasion.

#WomenInLeadership #WomenInService #genderequality #gendermatters #endrapeculture #endhumantrafficking #chiomauzodimma

H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation.