From Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has urged parents to sustain love and mutual respect in their homes, describing the family as the foundation of responsible citizenship and national development.
Nwifuru made the call at the 2026 Queens Conference and 10th Anniversary celebration of Moms Connect International, held at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, with the theme, “Home Intact.”
The governor described the home as the first courtroom where children learn values, discipline and responsibility, stressing that maintaining family stability was a collective responsibility of both parents.
He commended Moms Connect International for its decade-long commitment to family development through prayer, mentorship, outreach and community service.
“Preserving the home is not the sole responsibility of women. Fathers and mothers must jointly provide care, guidance and protection for their children.
“To the men present, we need to know that a man is not diminished by honouring a woman. A strong family is built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and the dignity of every member,” he said.
Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting women, children and vulnerable persons through institutions such as the Office of the Public Defender, Citizens’ Mediation Centre and the Department of Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence Response.
He also encouraged young girls to take their education seriously, develop their talents and pursue their aspirations with determination.
“To our young daughters, your dreams are valid and your voices deserve to be heard. Take your education seriously, develop your talents and pursue your aspirations with determination.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities for the girl child across Ebonyi State, irrespective of her community or background,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, identified trust, understanding and effective conflict resolution as essential ingredients for building healthy and lasting relationships.
She said trust must form the foundation of every relationship, while mutual understanding should guide human interactions, particularly during disagreements.
Kekere-Ekun commended Moms Connect International on its 10th anniversary and urged its management to sustain its positive impact on families and society.
Earlier, the vision bearer of Moms Connect International and Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, urged women to embrace godly values, strengthen their marriages and take responsibility for raising morally upright children.
She said humility, discipline, love and obedience were essential to restoring the moral values of society.
Onyemenam also urged women to rediscover their true identity and partner with their husbands in building godly families.
