By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki
The Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mary Maudline Nwifuru, has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that enables women in the state to thrive in business, agriculture, governance and other productive enterprises.
Mrs. Nwifuru made the pledge during the grand finale of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
As part of activities marking the event, the First Lady empowered selected women traders drawn from the thirteen local government areas of the state with ₦200,000 each to strengthen and expand their small-scale businesses.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nwifuru described International Women’s Day as a global platform dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience and invaluable contributions of women across all spheres of life.
According to her, the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women while reflecting on the progress made toward gender equality and the work that still lies ahead.
She said the celebration also serves as a source of encouragement to women and a reminder that their voices, aspirations and contributions remain vital to societal development.
Mrs. Nwifuru urged women across Ebonyi State to support one another, break barriers and strive for greater heights while remaining worthy ambassadors of the state.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” the First Lady said the message underscores the principle that sustainable growth and societal progress are rooted in sacrifice, service and purposeful investment in others.
“The theme reminds us that what we give whether time, knowledge, compassion, mentorship or opportunity ultimately determines what we gain as individuals and as a society,” she said.
Quoting Luke 6:38, she noted that giving should not be perceived as a loss but rather as an investment capable of yielding greater returns for communities and society at large.
Mrs. Nwifuru further highlighted the interventions of her pet project, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO Foundation), which she said would continue to invest in the welfare and advancement of women across the state.
She explained that the foundation focuses on healthcare support, economic empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and advocacy against gender-based violence, while also promoting social protection programmes for vulnerable women.
“These efforts are built on the firm belief that when women are provided with the right tools and opportunities, they multiply the impact for the benefit of their families and communities,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged young girls in the state to prioritise education, develop their talents and seek mentorship that would prepare them for leadership roles in the future.
Commending Ebonyi women for their resilience despite prevailing challenges, she urged them to continue contributing meaningfully to the growth of society while paying attention to their health and wellbeing.
“Your presence here today demonstrates the resilience, strength and collective spirit that define the women of Ebonyi State,” she noted.
She stressed that the theme also serves as a call to action for greater investment in women and girls, explaining that expanding access to education, economic opportunities and protection for women would ultimately strengthen families and promote sustainable development.
Nwifuru reiterated her commitment to speaking out against violence, discrimination and inequality affecting women while encouraging them to support one another and avoid destructive rivalry.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike, congratulated women in the state for successfully marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The governor encouraged women to embrace education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurial ventures as pathways to improving their socio-economic conditions.
He also advised them to prioritise the education and moral upbringing of their children while avoiding activities that could jeopardise their wellbeing.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended Governor Nwifuru and the First Lady for their consistent commitment to policies and programmes that promote the welfare and empowerment of women in Ebonyi State.
She highlighted several initiatives spearheaded by Mrs. Nwifuru through the BERWO Foundation, including the construction of dignified homes for indigent widows, provision of free surgeries, and the enrolment of women and children into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme for free medical services.
According to the commissioner, the interventions align strongly with the theme “Give to Gain” and reflect the administration’s commitment to gender-responsive governance.
Mrs. Nwamkpuma also disclosed that the state government has secured Ebonyi’s participation in the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at empowering rural women through cooperative savings, internal lending and improved participation in small-scale businesses and agricultural value chains.
She further noted that the present administration has demonstrated a deliberate effort to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes, revealing that women currently occupy more than 35 per cent of positions in the state’s political appointments.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Ken Eze, called for sustained investment in girl-child education and urged mothers to monitor the activities of their children in order to curb child abuse and trafficking.
In separate goodwill messages, Florence Igariwey, Adaeze Nwuzor and Lilian Nwankwo commended the First Lady for her impactful initiatives through the BERWO Foundation, describing her interventions as transformative for the wellbeing and economic empowerment of women across the state.
They pledged their continued support and solidarity towards initiatives that advance women’s development and the overall progress of Ebonyi State.
The event also featured lectures, cultural displays and the official unveiling of Black Diamond Magazine, highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in the state.
