Uzodimma Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and advancing women’s economic empowerment across the state.
Uzodimma gave the assurance on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum and the Ford Foundation at the Government House in Owerri.
The advocacy visit was made public through the official communication channels of the Imo State Government.
The delegation visited the governor as part of a nationwide campaign to strengthen political commitment to ending gender-based violence, improving women’s welfare and promoting economic opportunities for women and girls.
Speaking during the meeting, Uzodimma said his administration would continue to partner with organisations committed to improving the lives of women and families.
“We are beneficiaries of every effort aimed at improving the lives of women and families.”
“The Imo State Government will continue to support initiatives that promote their welfare,” the governor said.
He commended the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum and the Ford Foundation for championing programmes that promote gender equality, family welfare and sustainable community development, stressing that stronger collaboration between governments and development partners remains critical to achieving lasting social progress.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Imo First Lady, Chioma Uzodimma, described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as a major obstacle to development, urging governments to move beyond policy declarations to concrete implementation.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not only a social issue; it is a development challenge, a governance issue and a silent economic drain on our states,” she said.
Uzodimma called for the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, increased funding for survivor support services, stronger implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, as well as sustained support for community-led initiatives against harmful cultural practices.
She noted that although the Nigeria Governors’ Forum declared a state of emergency on gender-based violence in 2020, greater investment, enforcement and collaboration are required to reduce cases of abuse and improve protection for women and girls across the country.
The advocacy visit formed part of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum’s partnership with the Ford Foundation to mobilise support for policies and programmes that strengthen the protection, welfare and economic empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria.
