The Women of Grace Foundation Nigeria (WGFN) has commended Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for what it described as his inclusive approach to governance, particularly the appointment of the foundation’s coordinators across the 13 local government areas of the state as Executive Assistants.
The group said the recent appointments had strengthened its members’ confidence in the administration and encouraged greater participation in grassroots governance.
The women spoke on Monday at Abakaliki, during a gathering of the members of the group drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state.
National President of the foundation, Princess Modester Amarachi Nwebonyi, said the appointments demonstrated the governor’s willingness to broaden participation in government and recognise the contributions of women to community development.
Nwebonyi said the gesture had further motivated members of the foundation to intensify their political engagement and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to her, the foundation had also commenced the formation of polling-unit executive structures across the state to deepen its organisational reach and civic participation.
She said members would use the structures to mobilise support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, as well as other APC candidates in Ebonyi State.
Nwebonyi commended the governor’s administration for initiatives in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, human-capital development and other sectors.
She cited the administration’s investments in model schools, tertiary education, healthcare facilities, road infrastructure and other development projects as areas the foundation considered significant.
The state government’s development portfolio lists projects across all 13 LGAs, including road, healthcare, education, water and technology initiatives.
On healthcare, Nwebonyi noted efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, while describing investments in human-capital development and grassroots infrastructure as issues that directly affect families and communities.
She urged members of the foundation to remain committed to community service, peaceful political participation and constructive engagement with government at all levels.
The President also congratulated the newly elected local government chairmen in the state, commending their efforts, particularly their recognition of members of the foundation.
She also hailed the APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, other party officials and stakeholders for their commitment to inclusive governance and the accelerated development of the state, assuring them of continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Mrs Roseline Onu of Ohaozara Local Government Area said the appointments had given women from the district a stronger sense of participation in the administration.
Onu said women were not merely beneficiaries of government policies but important stakeholders capable of contributing to policy implementation, community mobilisation and grassroots development.
She said the women of Ebonyi South would continue to engage communities on the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process, while encouraging members to assess political programmes and candidates based on their records, policies and commitments.
Representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Mrs Martha Nwafor from Ikwo LGA said the appointment of women into government positions had provided an opportunity for them to demonstrate competence, responsibility and commitment to public service.
Nwafor said women across Ikwo, Ezza North, Ezza South and Ishielu would continue to promote issues concerning education, healthcare, agriculture, women's empowerment and youth development.
She called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making and grassroots governance, saying their participation would strengthen communication between government and communities.
Also speaking for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Mrs Agatha Nkemdirim Alegu from Ohaukwu LGA said the appointments had reinforced the need for women to take active roles in governance and community development.
Alegu urged the newly appointed Executive Assistants to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving their communities diligently and ensuring that citizens’ concerns were effectively communicated to government.
She said women across the senatorial district would continue to support programmes that promote development, peace, economic opportunities and improved social services.
The foundation’s position came days after Governor Nwifuru swore in 1,710 Executive Assistants and 10 Special Advisers as part of efforts by his administration to strengthen grassroots engagement and the implementation of government programmes.
The women also called for sustained peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 elections and urged political actors and supporters to conduct their activities within the bounds of law and democratic norms.
