By Onwa Ekor
Issues bordering on maternal and child welfare took centre stage as Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) met in Calabar, for its 5th annual retreat.
In a seven point communique issued after the retreat, the First Ladies reaffirmed their commitment for continuous advocacy on maternal mortality reduction and child health.
According to the Forum, “we will continue to
collaborate with donor partners, relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to advance this cause.”
The Forum
reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to sustain the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in their respective states, even as they collectively endorsed the Reserved Seat for Women Bill initiative, in order to
increase women’s representation in governance.
As part of the communique, the First Ladies resolved to continue vigorous advocacy for the
adoption of six months of paid maternity leave in states yet to
implement it, while engaging Governors and State Legislatures to promote the policy for improved maternal and child welfare, across all states
.
The Forum which stressed the need to strengthen
routine immunisation programmes, with particular focus on HPV vaccination, Measles and Rubella immunisation, as well as Hepatitis
screening, also resolved to sustain advocacy and collaboration
with health institutions, donor agencies, and community
stakeholders to improve coverage while ensuring better health outcomes for women and children.
To ensure that child labour ends in the country, the First Ladies resolved to synergize with the Ministry of
Labour, in order to fashion out a sustainable solution to check the menace.
The Forum also received and endorsed the 2026
Roadmap Strategy presented by the Office of the Senior Special
Assistant to the President on Women’s Health (OSSAP-WH), to advance women’s health and improve health outcomes for women and girls across Nigeria.
The retreat which was attended by 22 First Ladies and the Coordinator of the
Benue First Lady’s Office, beyond deliberations, provided an invaluable opportunity for
members to connect, share experiences, and build stronger bonds of collaboration rooted in mutual understanding and commitment to national development.
It also reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to collective
leadership, mutual support, and shared learning.
Members of the Forum also used the opportunity to pay courtesy visit on the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.
