By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) has reaffirmed its collective commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, maternal health, and child welfare across the country. The pledge followed the conclusion of its fifth annual retreat held on Friday, 7th November 2025, in Calabar, Cross River State.
The retreat, attended by 22 First Ladies and the Coordinator of the Benue State First Lady’s Office, provided a platform for the governors’ spouses to deliberate on key issues affecting women and children, and to map out a strategic direction for 2026. It also served as a unifying forum for experience sharing, mutual support, and strengthening of collaborative leadership towards national development.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the First Ladies resolved to sustain the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls in their respective states.
They also collectively endorsed the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, pledging continued advocacy for increased women’s representation in governance at all levels.
The communiqué further highlighted their resolution to intensify campaigns for the adoption of six months of paid maternity leave in states yet to implement it. The First Ladies said they would engage executive governors and state legislatures to institutionalise the policy for improved maternal and child welfare nationwide.
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Additionally, the Forum restated its determination to reduce maternal mortality rates and promote child health through collaborations with donor partners, government agencies, and civil society organisations.
On immunisation, the governors’ wives emphasised the importance of strengthening routine vaccination programmes, with special focus on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, Measles and Rubella immunisation, and Hepatitis screening. They pledged sustained advocacy and collaboration with health institutions, donor agencies, and community stakeholders to achieve better health outcomes for women and children.
In a related commitment, the First Ladies resolved to partner with the Federal Ministry of Labour to combat child labour across the country.
The Forum also received and endorsed the 2026 RenewHER Roadmap Strategy, presented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health (OSSAP-WH). The strategy aims to strengthen women’s health systems and improve access to quality healthcare for women and girls nationwide.
The retreat, which ended at 6:30 p.m., underscored the governors’ spouses’ dedication to unity, collaboration, and progressive leadership in advancing the welfare of Nigerian women and children.
See photos below…
