....As Igbo-Eze South Chairperson Applauds Her Indefatigable Leadership
The wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and Deputy ALGON Chairperson, Barr. Empress Ugo-Ferdinand, has applauded Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, for her indefatigable leadership and commitment to protecting children from violence and aggression.
Her commendation followed the One-Day Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Protection of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression in Enugu State, organised by Custos Care Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
Barr. Ugo-Ferdinand hailed the First Lady for bringing the protection and wellbeing of vulnerable children to the forefront of public attention through an initiative that united government officials, civil society organisations, students and child welfare stakeholders.
The Igbo-Eze South council chairman’s wife commended Mrs Mbah’s dedication to advancing a collective response to the challenges facing children, particularly the need to make homes, schools and communities places of safety, care and guidance.
The workshop provided a platform for participants to examine the realities of aggression against children, understand its effects on their development and identify practical measures for prevention and intervention.
Barr. Ugo-Ferdinand was among the participants acknowledged by the First Lady for contributing to the success of the engagement, alongside other local government chairpersons and stakeholders.
Mrs Mbah, represented by the wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, emphasised that every child deserves love, security, peace and opportunities for growth. She called for stronger cooperation among parents, schools, community leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations, alongside effective reporting channels and timely intervention.
The programme featured expert presentations by Professor Boniface Umoh of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on the nature and consequences of violence against children, and Mr Okechukwu Ugwu, Acting Programme Manager of ANNPIAN and a clinical psychologist, on practical strategies for preventing aggression and advancing children’s rights.
Children also presented drama, music and dance, reinforcing the importance of listening to their voices and providing safe environments in which they can thrive.
The workshop concluded with a communiqué outlining key observations, recommendations and proposed actions to strengthen child protection across Enugu State.
Barr. Ugo-Ferdinand’s commendation added to the recognition of the First Lady’s efforts to build collective responsibility for children’s welfare and turn public concern into sustained action for their safety, dignity and development.
