From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Government of Imo State, IMSG under the Governorship of Senator Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his Shared Prosperity administration’s commitments towards the promotion of women’s welfare and empowerment programmes. pledging sustained government support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and families across the state.
Uzodimma made the commitment last Wednesday when members of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF), in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri even as he also pledged to sustained government support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and families across the State.
Welcoming the delegation, the governor described women as critical stakeholders in national development and commended the Forum for championing programmes that promote gender equality, family welfare and community development.
Uzodimma equally lent his support to campaigns aimed at eradicating gender based violence (GBV) in the country, including sexual-related one.
He also pointed out that meaningful progress in advancing women’s rights and social development could only be achieved through strong partnerships involving governments, development agencies, donor organisations, foundations and community-based groups.
“We are beneficiaries of every effort aimed at improving the lives of women and families. The Imo State Government will continue to support initiatives that promote their welfare,” the Governor said.
He further urged development partners to strengthen collaboration with State governments, noting that collective action remains essential for delivering sustainable and impactful development programmes capable of transforming communities.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, called for stronger political commitment to preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing the menace as a major obstacle to development, good governance and economic growth.
On the State-level advocacy engagement organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum in partnership with the Ford Foundation, she urged the Imo State Government to commence the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.
