By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, has announced her commitment to reviving the Girls Guide movement in schools across the state.
Speaking at her investiture as the Patron of the Nigerian Girls Guide Association, Ebonyi State, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed her dedication to revitalizing the organization and ensuring its presence in educational institutions.
In her address, Mrs. Nwifuru stated, “As far as I’m the patron, I’m going to work with the state commissioner to do whatever is in our power. We are going to revive it, so that we will start up all the girls guide in all schools. I will start awareness in all my functions, from there we start and every other request that follows suit.”
Mrs. Nwifuru stressed the importance of the Girl Guides Association in fostering leadership, service, and empowerment among young girls. She emphasized that her foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), will continue advocating for the needs and aspirations of young girls, creating opportunities for their growth and ensuring their voices are heard.
The Chief Commissioner of the Nigerian Girls Guide Association, Mrs. Lilian Damie, expressed her profound joy and gratitude for Mrs. Nwifuru’s acceptance of the patron role. She commended the First Lady’s unwavering support for the girl child and her exemplary initiatives for young people across the state.
The Trefoil Guide Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Martina Enwo-Igariwey, also remarked on the significance of the event. She praised Mrs. Nwifuru’s dedication and steadfastness in ensuring that the girls’ rights are protected.
Additionally, a short presentation was done by Miss Elizabeth Odabe on the use of reusable pads, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene among girls.
The association, boasting members across 34 cities, aims to nurture confidence, instill values, and foster active citizenship among its members. However, Mrs. Damie acknowledged the challenges in outreach efforts, logistical constraints, and resource limitations, calling for further support to overcome these hurdles.
With the renewed commitment from the First Lady and the association’s leadership, the Nigerian Girls Guide Association in Ebonyi State looks forward to a promising future, inspiring young girls to dream bigger, aspire higher, and reach their fullest potential.