By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The wife of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has charged mothers to be more vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children in their various homes.
The Ebonyi first lady made the call, Tuesday while flagging off the 2023 August Meeting at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki, the State Capital.
Mrs Nwifuru noted that the challenges facing every home across the nation, have demanded mothers' concerted effort to ensure the safety and well-being of every child to promote happy households.
While speaking on the August meeting's theme: "Mother where is your child?" she noted that the central message for the event has evoked a profound sense of concern and responsibility that goes beyond mere words.
"This powerful phrase evokes a profound sense of concern and responsibility that goes beyond mere words. It challenges us to reflect on our role as mothers in ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.
"The theme is a call to action, a call to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the welfare of our children. It is a plea for us to come together, regardless of our differences, and unite in the course of protecting the innocent and vulnerable ones among us.
"As the first lady of Ebonyi State, it has been my message to all mothers to train their children themselves and not send them outside the state for others to train. This leads to different forms of Child Abuse and Human Trafficking.
"Ebonyi children need to be safe from such harm, hence we need to protect them and train them ourselves. As a state, we will create an environment where no child is left behind.
"We will invest in education, healthcare, and social support system that empower mothers and families to provide a nurturing and safe environment for their children to thrive.
"Mothers are the first teachers, caregivers, and protectors of their children, but let us not forget that we are all responsible for the well-being of our children.
"Every adult, every community, every institution - each of us has a part to play in ensuring the safety and happiness of the children around us," Mr Nwifuru said.
In her goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development said the event reinvigorated the birthing of female folks, especially mothers.
She assured hope for women that "we are the pillars for Ebonyi State to thrive and have conscionable family values and development."
The event honoured by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs Patricia Obila who represented the State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru was massively attended by Ebonyi women cutting across s the 13 council areas of the state.
Distribution of pumping machines, sewing machines, clothes, wrappers, buckets, food items and other palliatives by Mrs Nwifuru to the less privileged persons and other citizens of the state were among the major highlights of the event.
