The Ebonyi Women Inclusion (EBOWIN) Movement has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for surpassing the nationally recommended 35 per cent gender affirmative action threshold in political appointments, describing his administration as one of the most gender-responsive in Nigeria.
The commendation was made during the EBOWIN Radio and Television Broadcasters Excellence Award ceremony held yesterday at the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) premises along Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and National President of EBOWIN, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, disclosed that women currently account for over 50 per cent of appointments into key leadership and decision-making positions under the present administration in the state.
According to her, EBOWIN, founded in 2015, is a registered Civil Society Organisation (CSO) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and is accredited by international institutions including the United Nations, UNFPA, and UN Women.
“We are not a political praise group. We support what is right. Where a government performs well, we acknowledge it; where it falls short, we speak up.
“This administration has exceeded the 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark. Women now constitute over half of strategic appointments, and they have justified the confidence reposed in them,” Obichukwu said.
She noted that women now occupy strategic roles across the state, including positions as vice chairmen and secretaries of local governments, board members, and heads of government agencies. She credited Governor Nwifuru and the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for their commitment to inclusive governance.
Obichukwu who is currently the State Commissioner for Aviation and Digital Transport, traced the inspiration behind the establishment of EBOWIN to her personal experiences with rural women who died during childbirth due to poverty, lack of empowerment, and poor access to healthcare.
“I witnessed women delivering babies by the roadside because they could not afford hospital care. Some of them died in the process. Those experiences shaped my resolve,” she said.
She stressed that empowering women has a multiplier effect on families and society, noting that women constitute more than 70 per cent of Ebonyi State’s agricultural workforce, yet had historically been excluded from decision-making processes.
“That narrative is changing. The era when Ebonyi women were confined to the kitchen is over. Today, women are educated, productive, resourceful, and fully engaged in governance,” she said.
The EBOWIN President reaffirmed her commitment with her members to advancing women’s empowerment, promoting inclusive governance, and recognising excellence across sectors, pledging sustained collaboration with government and stakeholders to deepen gender equity in Ebonyi State and beyond.
The event also featured the presentation of Excellence Awards to 20 outstanding radio and television broadcasters in recognition of their professionalism, dedication, and contributions to public enlightenment and good governance.
Chairman of the occasion and Director-General of EBBC, Comrade Tony Nwizi, lauded EBOWIN for recognising media practitioners, describing broadcasters as the “trumpet bearers of society.”
“Broadcast journalism is demanding and risky, yet often underappreciated. A single mistake, no matter how minor, can attract harsh public criticism,” Nwizi said, calling for greater institutional and public support for media professionals.
One of the award recipients and Special Guest of Honour, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Stephen Uchenna Igwe, used the occasion to advocate the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages and culture.
Igwe emphasised that culture remains the foundation of identity, urging broadcasters and public communicators to embrace local languages in governance and public engagement.
“In many parts of the country and across Africa, people conduct official programmes in their local dialects from start to finish. That is how culture is preserved and respected,” he said.
He encouraged media organisations to prioritise indigenous language broadcasting, noting that effective grassroots communication and development depend on cultural relevance and inclusiveness.
Among the award recipients were the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebeh; EBBC Director-General, Comrade Tony Nwizi; General Manager of Legacy FM, Comrade Godfrey Chikwere; Mrs. Abigail Iheukwumere (NTA Abakaliki); Mrs. Angela Ekuma (EBBC); Mrs. Chinelo Okoro (Federal Radio Nigeria); and Mr. Chukwudi Nweke (EBBC), among others.
The ceremony was enlivened by cultural displays and traditional music performances, underscoring the event’s emphasis on heritage, inclusion, and excellence.
