Ebonyi first lady launches pet project, sets to rehabilitates GBV survivors

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru has unveiled her Pet project, "Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation, (BERWO). The event was also used to launch Gender Based Violence(GBV) Centre which the wife of Ebonyi State Governor is planning to build for rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of GBV survivors. In her speech at the event which was held at Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Mrs. Nwifuru that the foundation would focused on improving health, education and general wellbeing of women and children, especially rural dwellers and the vulnerable people of Ebonyi State. Mrs Nwifuru who commended the eminent Nigerians for supporting her pet project said the foundation would achieve best results and sustainable impact through collective efforts. “It is a collective effort of us that will actually help me to actualize this my mission of stopping Gender Based Violence. “The first thing I started immediately was stopping child trafficking, child labour, women abuse and men abuse because I am not first lady for women, I am equally first lady for all. So, I am for men and women”, she stated The first lady expressed dismay that most of the women have lost their family values and their homes by being independent and urged women to return the past glory of their values. She called for collective effort to end GBV in the state through the pet project. In his remarks, Governor Francis Nwifuru assured that the State government would back and support the foundation which he noted, would make life meaningful for the rural dwellers and improve the standard of living of the people. The governor commended the wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for inspiring wives of governors towards providing quality life for the society. "Without mincing words, this wonderful initiative will impact tremendously on our rural women with various intervention programmes that will build their capacity and make them self-reliant. "It will further complement our modest efforts to make life more meaningful to our people especially the rural populace." Also in his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi congratulated the Ebonyi First lady for the project and described it as very apt. “The choice of your pet project is very apt because God sends people to meet the needs of your people from time to time. We need health in our state, we need to take care of the child, the woman and to protect them and you are also protecting the men”, he stated. On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by Hon. Amaobi Ogar, said the pet project will end GBV that has been on the increase in the state. He commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project which according to him will touch lives and save lives. The governor's wife was joined in launching the Pet Project by Wives of Governors of Imo, Abia, Ogun and Cross River States.