2023 AUGUST MEETING: Enugu Commisioner For Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih Storms Nkanu East LGA, Mentors Women on "Gender Equality, Inclusion, Political Participation"

The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, delivered an inspiring keynote speech on gender equality, inclusion, and political participation during the opening event of Nkanu East Local Government Area 2023 August Meeting on Friday tagged "Innovation, Resilience and Gender Equality".

As a keynote speaker at the event, Hon. Enih emphasized the importance of financial independence for women, which she described as a key factor in unlocking their potential within society. She encouraged women to become ambassadors of their families and to take an active role in both family and social life.

"Women, children, and vulnerable members of society are the focus of the government's attention," stated Hon. Enih, underlining the significance of their well-being. She urged those facing stigma to voice their concerns and assured them that the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development is open to receiving complaints"

Addressing the need for greater female representation in leadership positions, Hon. Valentina Enih used her platform to call on governments at all levels to prioritize women's involvement in decision-making roles.

"In line with efforts to empower women in Enugu State, the government has disbursed a substantial sum of Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N450M) as part of the World Bank Counterpart Fund. This fund aims to facilitate women's access to grants, and eligible women from selected Local Government Areas are encouraged to register for the program" she said.

Joining Hon. Enih as a speaker at the event, Hon. Chichi Ogbu provided valuable insights into women's health and hygiene, particularly focusing on menopause. She dispelled misconceptions surrounding menopause, highlighting that its symptoms are not rooted in spiritual causes. Hon. Ogbu emphasized the importance of scientific knowledge in this regard and underscored the empowering nature of accurate information.

The presence of Hon. Mrs. Rita Mbah, the Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board added further significance to the occasion. Mrs. Mbah urged women to engage in politics actively and present themselves with dignity, emphasizing that others often perceive them based on their appearance.

The August Meeting Flag-Off ceremony also showcased a dedicated women's empowerment segment that marked the distribution of essential resources, including commercial grinding machines and various items, to the women residing within the Nkanu East Local Government Council. This initiative aims to empower these women by providing them with the means to establish small-scale businesses, enabling them to contribute to their households' financial well-being and uplift their overall quality of life.

Other dignitaries who graced the event include, the Chairman, Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh and his wife, Mrs Rita Edeh, member representing Nkanu East in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, Enugu State PDP youth leader, Hon. Pat Okoh and a host of others.

Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development maintains a broad mandate that encompasses advising the government on gender, children, vulnerable, and elderly issues. It plays a crucial role in establishing policy guidelines and promoting gender equality within state processes while encouraging the integration of women in various aspects of governance.

Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih

The Commisioner For Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Enugu State.