Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has flagged off the annual August meeting for women in the state, just as he has abandoned communities attacked by Fulani herders resulting in the death of 20 persons to their fate.
Herdsmen had on August 1, attacked Mgbuji community in Isi Ụzo local government area, killing eight persons, including two pregnant women whose stomachs ripped open. The government has maintained a policy silence since the attack occurred.
But speaking during the flag off of the August held at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, with the theme: “Women and children must be protected as a bedrock of our community” he commended women of the state for the noble roles they play in the development of the state in particular and the nation in general.
Gov. Ugwuanyi stressed that women, worldwide, have contributed immensely in the development of the society.
He added that his administration at its inception recognized the pivotal roles played by women in the initiation and effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that it was in recognition of the above that Enugu State today has the first female Deputy Governor as well as the first female Chief Judge of the State, in the persons of Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, respectively.
The governor disclosed that four women were elected as members of the State House of Assembly with three serving as Principal Officers of the House, adding that his administration appointed women as Commissioners for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Finance, and Special Duties.
Stressing his commitment to women’s participation in governance, Gov. Ugwuanyi revealed that a woman was elected as Chairman of a local government area under his administration, for the first time in the history of Enugu State.
He therefore reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue to partner women in all sectors of development for the common good of the people of the state.
Gov. Ugwuanyi commended his wife, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi for the laudable roles she is playing through her pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) and other children/women intervention and emancipation programmes.
The governor maintained that the annual August Meeting is timely and a veritable platform for women to unite, reflect and interact on development issues as well as proffer solutions to the challenges confronting them in particular and the society in general.
He therefore urged them to utilize the unique opportunity the gathering provides to chart a new course for their wellbeing, that of their families and the society at large.
