Nkechinyere Ewa-Opkara
Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of Ebonyi State governor has described women as pillars of home and society whose contributions will continue to shape the country.
This is part of her statement marking the 2025 international women’s day and was made available to the journalists in Abakaliki by her Chief Press Secretary Nnenna Oshibe.
The statement, I extends warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable women of Ebonyi State on the 2025 International Women’s Day.
“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of every woman across our dear state. Women are the pillars of our homes, communities, and society, and their contributions continue to shape the future of Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ serves as a powerful call for all of us to redouble our efforts in advancing gender equality, empowering women economically, and ensuring that their voices are heard in all spheres of life. The time for change is now; we must uplift, support, and create more opportunities for women and girls.”
Mrs. Nwifuru noted that through her Foundation, BERWO, and the state government, Ebonyi women are being provided with a conducive environment to thrive and be more productive, enabling them to support their families at all times.
“Over the years, Ebonyi State has recorded significant achievements in promoting the rights of women and girls, thanks to the unwavering leadership of Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the dedication to women-focused policies and programs.”
She encourages every woman to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring future generations. She reaffirms her commitment to policies and initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, education, and economic inclusion in Ebonyi State.
“Some of these key achievements include increased access to education and second-chance education for women and girls, ensuring that more young girls stay in school and complete their studies; the economic empowerment of thousands of women through vocational training, skill acquisition, and financial support for small businesses; improved healthcare access for women and children, leading to lower maternal mortality rates and better family well-being; and strong advocacy against gender-based violence, resulting in stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect women and girls from harm.”
While these strides are commendable, the first Lady noted that there is still much more to be done to ensure that every woman and girl in Ebonyi State thrives without limitations. She called on all women to rise to the challenge, seize opportunities, and actively shape their futures.
“Every woman must be an agent of change at home, in the workplace, and in the community. The time for waiting is over,” she stated.
As we mark this day, the First Lady calls on governments, organizations, and individuals to accelerate action in building a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman can achieve her full potential.
“Your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your contributions are invaluable to the progress of our society. May you continue to shine and thrive in all that you do,” she concluded.