The Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF) has reaffirmed its commitment to championing national development initiatives that promote women’s rights, strengthen child protection and improve healthcare outcomes across the country.
This came at the end of the Forum’s 5th annual retreat held in Calabar, Cross River State, southern Nigeria, where 22 First Ladies met behind closed doors to deliberate and strategise for the year 2026.
Reading the Communique on behalf of the Forum, the Chairperson of NGSF and wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq said the members remained united in advancing life-changing interventions for women and children in Nigeria.
She said, “we have collectively resolved to sustain the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and step up advocacy for improved protection of women and girls.”
Abdulrazaq further disclosed that the Forum fully endorsed the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, noting that “increased female representation in governance was critical to achieving equality and strengthening democracy.”
The First Ladies also renewed their push for six months paid maternity leave in all states of the federation as part of efforts to improve maternal health, child survival and productivity outcomes across households nationwide.
She stated, “we shall continue to engage governors and state assemblies to accelerate implementation of this policy where it has not yet taken effect.”
Other key resolutions included enhanced advocacy to curb maternal mortality, support routine immunisation campaigns with focus on HPV vaccination, Measles and Rubella immunisation, and Hepatitis screening, and a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour to eradicate child labour in Nigeria.
The Forum also adopted the 2026 RenewHER Roadmap Strategy presented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, aimed at “boosting health outcomes for women and girls.”
Warm Calabar welcome
In a brief remark, the host and Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, expressed delight that the retreat was held in Calabar.
Otu said, “it is a great honour to host the fifth meeting of this prestigious Forum here in the ancient city of Calabar. We appreciate the almighty for a rewarding meeting and hope before you return home, you all take time out to also enjoy the beauty, culture and hospitality of Calabar.”
As part of their three-day engagements, the Governors Spouses paid courtesy visits on Governor Bassey Otu and the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.
The meeting ended with members pledging sustained solidarity and collective leadership in championing nationwide developmental causes.