Nigerian governors’ wives vow to fight gender-based violence against women

Wives of Nigeria Governors Forum have resolved to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.

The forum said it was a testament to the commitment of these remarkable collaborations, progress, and development in the service of their states and the nation as a whole.

This was contained in a communiqué issued after a closed-door meeting at the Centenary City, New Government House, Abakaliki, on Thursday.

The communiqué was read by their Chairperson and First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and made available to newsmen.

The communiqué read: “The forum affirms yet again its unwavering resolve to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.”

According to the communiqué, the First Ladies have collectively endorsed the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) Initiative, committing to sustained advocacy for HPV vaccine uptake to protect the health of girls.

“The next line of action is a selective sensitization of wives of local government chairmen on HPV vaccination and cancer awareness.”

The First Ladies also pledged to vigorously advocate for the adoption of six months of paid maternity leave, engaging executive governors and state legislators to promote the policy across all states for improved maternity and child welfare.

The meeting observed a one-minute silence in honor of their colleague, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.

The meeting ended with 23 First Ladies in attendance.