Governor Francis Nwifuru says the Ebonyi government has paid N450 million in counterpart funds for the Nigerian women’s project.

Mr Nwifuru said this on Saturday, declaring the Ebonyi women’s August meeting open. He said the project is a World Bank-assisted programme to enhance all aspects of womanhood.

He also said that the programme cut across the 13 LGAs and would empower women at the grassroots through farming, skills acquisition and other areas that would boost their self-reliance.

The governor advised women to train their children to understand the culture of their husbands’ ethnic group. He described the theme as timely and capable of reminding women of their pride of place in God’s agenda for family and nation-building.

The governor’s wife, Mary-Maudline, urged women to reflect on the purpose of the gathering and implement it in their homes. She further called on them to deepen their commitment, responsibilities and roles to improve society and return all the lost societal values.

Eunice Egwu commended the women for turning out in their numbers and encouraged them to build their homes and society.

The wife of former Governor Sam Egwu hailed Mr Nwifuru for his support and commitment to women empowerment.

The commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, Felicia Nwankpuma, urged women to be resilient and hopeful, saying that the present administration remained committed to enhancing all aspects of womanhood.

She promised that the World Bank project would have a cross-sectoral impact on every woman in Ebonyi.

(NAN)