First Ladies’ Forum Charts New Course for Women’s Advocacy in Nigeria
Cross River State welcomed a landmark gathering of Nigeria’s First Ladies, where Governor Bassey Edet Otu emphasized the crucial role of women in national development during the 2025 Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) Annual Retreat in Calabar.
During Friday’s reception at Government House, Governor Otu met with forum members led by Chairperson Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State. The governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to gender equality, notably implementing a six-month paid maternity leave policy for female civil servants in Cross River State.
“No woman, no nation,” declared Governor Otu, acknowledging women’s significant influence on his political journey. He emphasized his administration’s focus on reducing maternal mortality by upgrading primary healthcare facilities and improving healthcare worker training.
The gathering, which attracted 22 First Ladies from across Nigeria, resulted in several significant commitments. The forum, which evolved from the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Against Gender-Based Violence initiative, outlined an ambitious agenda for advancing women’s rights and welfare across the nation.
Key resolutions from the retreat included: – Continued advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – Support for the “Reserved Seat for Women Bill” – Promotion of six-month paid maternity leave nationwide – Enhanced collaboration with health agencies for improved immunization coverage – Endorsement of the 2026 RenewHER Roadmap Strategy
Ambassador Professor AbdulRazaq praised Cross River’s progressive policies and emphasized the importance of women’s representation in legislative bodies. “When women lead, communities prosper; when women participate, societies grow stronger,” she stated.
The forum’s communiqué reflected a unified commitment to strengthening women’s health, gender equity, and child welfare. The First Ladies pledged to partner with various stakeholders, including donor partners and civil society groups, to achieve their objectives.
Governor Otu also recognized the humanitarian work of Cross River’s First Lady, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, whose programs align with the forum’s goals. The retreat concluded with optimism about Nigeria’s future, with participants emphasizing their dedication to maintaining the NGSF as a vital platform for advocacy and social change.
The gathering marked a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to enhance women’s participation in governance and improve public health outcomes across Nigeria, with Cross River State emerging as a model for gender-sensitive policies and healthcare initiatives.
Leave a Comment