Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum Calls For Collaboration To End Domestic Violence

Forum of Nigerian Governors Wives yesterday called for the collaboration of public spirited individuals, the private sector and government towards ending the rate of at domestic, Gender-based violence and all forms of child abuse and trafficking in the country.

The forum made the call during the official flag off and launching of the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), the pet project of the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

The event which held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital witnessed the presence of wives of Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, his Ogun State counterpart, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and that of Cross River State. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu.

They commended Ebonyi Governor’s wife for the initiative which was focused on improving health, education and general wellbeing of women and children, especially rural dwellers and the vulnerable people of Ebonyi State

Mrs. Nwifuru, while speaking about the foundation said she was motivated by her deep passion and concern for the well-being of women, children and vulnerable ones.

The Ebonyi 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.

Mrs Nwifuru, the initiator of BERWO foundation, emphasized that the project would achieve best results and sustainable impact through collective efforts.

She appreciated her husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru and his predecessor, former Governor Dave Umahi for collectively giving her the platform to actualize her dreams.

Speaking, Governor Nwifuru assured that 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 towards providing quality life for the society.

Nwifuru added: The initiative will serve as a base to address the health issues of rural women, their empowerment and uplifting from poverty.”

The immediate past governor of the State, Senator David Umahi, acknowledged that health as part of objectives of the pet project, is most important in improving the well-being of people in the state.

Umahi, who is the current Nigeria’s Minister of Works and guest of honour at the event, noted that Ebonyi State has continued progressively on the part of self actualization, building confidence for growth and development.

Commending Nwifuru’s wife, he said: “The choice of your pet project is good because there is need to take care of women, children and other vulnerable groups.”

Others who spoke at the event including the chairman of the occasion, Sir Edward Nkwegu and the Team Leader of BERWO, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, further called for support for the Governor’s wife.

Mrs Echiegu, wife of the Chief of Staff, government house, Ebonyi State, Emmanuel Echiegu, explained that the initiative was not just a project but a manifestation of a shared vision to address pressing issues and to foster a better quality of life for all residents.

Echiegu added: “the project envisioned a society that supports women, youth and children to achieve their full potential with improved health care, better education and facilitating active involvement in economic empowerment.

“BERWO Is a call to action and collaboration by all to contribute towards a common goal to impact in the lives of people.”

The event also featured the unveiling of the foundation’s symbol and the launching of the Gender-based violence, GBV centre for rehabilitation of survivors.

BERWO envisions a society that support women, youth and children to achieve their full potentials with improved healthcare, better education; facilitate their active involvement in economic empowerment activities and support IDPs and persons with disabilities.