By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has pledged to sustain policies and programmes geared towards the development of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in society.
Mrs Mbah gave the assurance during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
Mrs Mbah, who was represented by the wife of Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, stated that since the inception of the present administration in the State, it had continued to map out policies and programmes to enhance the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
She added that the empowerment of these groups in education, vocational and other skills would be sustained.
The governor’s wife noted that women play pivotal role in the socio-economic development of society, stressing that they should be provided with the required incentives to achieve their objectives.
The First Lady recalled that the State government, through the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, had rescued victims of domestic violence, provided succour to the vulnerable as well as those trapped by man-made obstacles.
According to Mrs Mbah, “we recognize the achievements of women in politics, education, business, health care, technology and beyond.
“It’s also a moment to highlight the challenges that remain such as discrimination, gender- based violence, economic discrimination, business to leadership.
“As we join the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, this is a day of reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, call to action in continuation of the achievements of women and girls in Enugu State and across the globe.
“This year’s theme, ‘For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality and Empowerment. Accelerate Action’, reminds us of our responsibility to create a society where no woman or girl will be marginalized.”
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Children Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Eni, had said that the International Women’s Day globally is aimed at commemorating the noble role women have played in the political and socio-economic development of society, pointing out that in Enugu State under Gov. Mbah, a lot has been done to enhance the welfare of women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
She enjoined the people to avail themselves of these opportunities.
The occasion featured march pasts, educational talks on gender-based violence and nutrition, traditional dances, distribution of food items to support some families, and award of honours to eminent dignitaries.
These included Mrs Ugwu; wife of Nkanu East Local Government Chairman/ Chairman of the state’s Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON(, Mrs Rita Edeh; Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Revenue, Adenike Okebu; and Coordinator of the Enugu State Prayer Network, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi.
