Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma joins First Ladies in high-level engagement to advance child rights
The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has renewed its commitment to child protection through a strategic engagement with the Child Protection Unit of UNICEF Nigeria, held on June 23, 2025, at the NGSF Secretariat in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together key members of the Forum, including the Chairperson and First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, alongside Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State and Secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Also in attendance were the First Lady of Zamfara State, Her Excellency Hajia Huriyya Dauda Lawal; the First Lady of Osun State, Chief (Mrs.) Titilayo Adeleke; and a representative from the Office of the First Lady of Katsina State.
This engagement followed up on the 2023 Joint Compact of Agreement between NGSF and UNICEF, aimed at scaling interventions in critical areas of child protection. Discussions focused on preventing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), strengthening Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), promoting universal birth registration, and ending child marriage.
UNICEF presented a framework outlining the next phase of implementation, with pilot initiatives set to launch in selected states in the coming months. The plan is built on evidence-based strategies and emphasizes collaboration at the sub-national level to achieve sustainable outcomes.
The NGSF reaffirmed its dedication to using the collective influence of Nigeria’s First Ladies to drive child rights advocacy, community engagement, and policy implementation. Through this deepened partnership with UNICEF, the Forum aims to ensure that every Nigerian child is protected and empowered to reach their full potential.
