Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has described women as drivers of change and economic development.

Mr Nwifuru spoke on Saturday in Abakaliki, at the grand finale of the 2025 Ebonyi Women’s August Meeting with the theme “Women who Inspire Change.”

The governor, represented by the Deputy, Patricia Obila, said that women were actively challenging existing norms, breaking barriers, and fostering a more equitable and sustainable world as agents who inspire change.

He expressed satisfaction towards Ebonyi State women’s contributions to his administration and assured them of more inclusiveness in governance.

The wife of the governor, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, charged women to use their potential to inspire change in society.

According to her, change is not only to hold public office and be a leader in politics but also to teach a child, mentor another woman, and build a family rooted in values to contribute to community growth.

She added that lending a helping hand to the vulnerable was also part of the desired change.

She stated, “Change is the responsibility of everyone in raising godly and disciplined children. Inspire change by practising honesty and excellence and by building communities and standing against violence and injustice, among others. Let us also remember that empowering one another is key. No woman should pull another down but instead create a sisterhood of support, mentorship and collective growth.’’

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwamkpuma, stated that the conference was more than a reunion.

Mrs Nwamkpuma described the conference as a great platform for community development, conflict resolution, and charting a better future for home and society.

She commended the governor and his wife for their various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women in the state.

The senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, described the meeting as an opportunity to empower, inspire and provide opportunities for networking and personal growth of women.

Mr Nwebonyi commended Mr Nwifuru, for recognising that women were at the heart of building the state and nation.

Wives of ex-governors of the state, Eunice Egwu and Josephine Elechi, also charged women to take advantage of teachings and lessons from the women’s conference for development.

The event featured disbursement of wheelchairs to 10 disabled persons and a scholarship to a beneficiary, Oluebube Uzochi.

The programme featured lectures on hygiene and building and managing wealth, among other teachings by some resource persons.

(NAN)