Govs’ wives reaffirm commitment to gender equality

Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has reaffirmed their dedication to promoting gender equality, child welfare, and women’s health nationwide, advocating for better legislative representation for women and enhanced maternal healthcare systems.

A communique issued on Friday following their 2025 Annual Retreat in Calabar, which was attended by 22 First Ladies, emphasized the significance of continued initiatives for gender inclusivity, the support for the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, and the introduction of six months of paid maternity leave across all states.

The document referred to the retreat as “a gathering of shared wisdom and renewed commitment,” with the First Ladies vowing to amplify the voices of the vulnerable, restore hope for women and children, and continue to radiate compassion.

The forum also committed to strengthening collaborations with civil society, development organizations, and health institutions to lower maternal mortality rates, enhance immunization coverage for diseases like HPV, Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis, and combat child labor in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour.

They endorsed the 2026 RenewHER Roadmap Strategy from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health as a key national framework to enhance health outcomes for women and girls.

During the event, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, commended the First Ladies for their “transformative influence” on the nation’s social and developmental landscape. He reaffirmed his administration’s support for gender-sensitive governance and initiatives that empower women.

Governor Otu noted that his administration’s implementation of a six-month paid maternity leave for female civil servants reflects his belief that “no mother or child should die from preventable causes.”

He added that the state is working to improve primary healthcare facilities and retrain health workers to enhance maternal and child health services.

Describing women as the “true backbone of national development,” Otu stated, “No woman, no nation.” He credited his political ascent to the backing of women, remarking on their resoluteness in decision-making.

Chairperson of the NGSF and First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, praised Governor Otu’s efforts in gender and healthcare, calling Cross River “a home of grace, culture, and progress.”

She stressed that equitable representation of women in leadership roles is vital for inclusive growth, stating, “When women lead, communities thrive; when women participate, societies become stronger.”

The retreat concluded with the First Ladies recommitting to using their collective influence to safeguard women and children, advocate for social justice, and promote gender-balanced policies throughout Nigeria.