On this International Women’s Day 2025, I wish to extend my warm felicitations to all women across the globe.
This is yet another unique occasion that avails us the ample opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide.
Indeed, this year’s theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, is apt and timely as it’s a clarion call for action against vices and inimical practices such as rape, female genital mutilation, and other forms of Gender Based Violence against the female folk.
As the Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Council, I firmly believe that empowering women translates to building stronger communities and a more prosperous society. Since assuming office, my administration has launched and supported various women-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing their socio-economic and political participation. These programs include:
Maternal and Child Health Programs – Ensuring access to quality healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women and nursing mothers, through improved medical facilities and community-based health outreaches. In this regard, we have, facilitated a free medical outreach program for a good number of women, ensuring access to quality healthcare. We are also working towards increased participation of women in governance and leadership roles, aligning with the progressive vision of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, who has always championed women’s inclusion in decision-making.
Similarly, my administration has introduced women entrepreneurship and empowerment schemes – Providing skill acquisition, business training, and start-up grants to help women achieve economic independence, organizing mentorship programs that encourage and prepare women to take up leadership positions in governance and politics, establishing safe spaces where women can report cases of abuse and receive legal, medical, and psychological assistance.
Undoubtedly, these initiatives reflect our commitment to uplifting women, eliminating gender disparity, and ensuring that the voices of our mothers, sisters, and daughters are heard loud and clear.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, let’s bear it in mind that empowered women empower the world, let’s continue to inspire inclusion and positive change, let’s create a more inclusive future for all.
#IWD2025
#AccelerateAction
#InspireInclusion
#SayNoToRape
#SayNoToFemaleGenitalMutilation
#SayNoToGenderBasedViolence
Hon. Chief Mrs. CHIKA IBEKWE
Executive Chairman, Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State 8/3/2025