IWD: How Enugu Governor’s Wife is Making Difference through Custos Care Foundation

The energy and determination of the wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, towards the health and wellbeing of Enugu women and children heralds a better future for them, writes Gideon Arinze

The International Women’s Day (IWD), which is marked on every March 8, has no doubt grown in global stature at a time when the world celebrates the socio-economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to raise awareness on matters that affect their daily lives. Enugu State was not left behind.

As part of the events lined up to mark the day, wife of the governor of the state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, and the Mrs. Ngozi Enih-led Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Development put together an event to discuss issues affecting women such as inclusion, entrepreneurship, women in politics and decision making, among others.

In addition, it was also an opportunity to honour women of the state, who had distinguished themselves in their various callings and the work they have done to advance the causes of women and development of Enugu State. The awardees include the wife of the former governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, who has done so much through her NGO, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation - U-TOLF; the first female Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Prof. Edith Nwosu; former Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social

Development, Hon. Princess Peace Nnaji; first female Branch Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Dr. Uchenwa Ujam; veteran actress, Mrs. Patience Ozokwor; women empowerment activist, Mrs. Chinemerem Anyi; and Member of State House of Assembly, Hon. Jane Eneh.

Importantly, it was an event that brought out Mrs. Mbah’s courage and strength of voice on issues affecting women and children, as she articulated a call to action on the need to dismantle all barriers - inequitable access to education and healthcare, gender-based violence, discriminatory practices in the workplace, among others, that hinder women. She also assured that her office would work closely with local farmers, engage in sustainable agricultural practices, and implement programmes that empower individuals and communities to secure their food sources.

Beyond Ceremonies

Although the history of the International Women’s Day dates back over a century, making the lives of women transcends a mere celebration that requires concerted effort by all. Interventions by well-meaning and public-spirited individuals, organisations, governments, international development agencies, and movements, among others matters alot in this regard. Whether it is the various women movements dating back to 1909 or the UN international women’s conferences in Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985 and Beijing in 1995; whether it is that advocacy by a communitybased NGO or positive government policies, it is these efforts, put together, that have remarkably improved the fortunes of women. It is also for this reason that they must be encouraged.

It was good news for the people Enugu State, as wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, recently founded the Custos Foundation, an initiative aimed at eradicating maternal and child mortality, improve the well-being of mothers and children, and indeed eradicate all barriers to social inclusion and social security. Custos Care Foundation focuses on four key areas, namely; mother and child healthcare and welfare, primary education for all, women and youth empowerment, and social protection and mentorship.

The energy Mrs. Mbah has invested in the Foundation and the attention she has accorded to the rural areas is underscored by the fact that the launch of the Foundation’s Mother and Child Healthcare and Welfare Project was held not only in the three senatorial districts of the state, but also in three local governments outside the state capital. They are the Primary Health Centres in Oji- River Urban, Oji-River LGA for Enugu West Senatorial District and also at Agbani in Nkanu West LGA for Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Both held on February 19, 2024. That of Enugu North Senatorial District held at the Health Center, Nsukka on March 1.

But why the focus on child and maternal motility? Mrs. Mbah provided a glimpse while launching the project at Oji River.

She said: “This project is very dear to me because women and children constitute the most vulnerable people in our society. It is worthy of note that one of the most significant challenges faced by women and children is maternal and child mortality. The world has battled against this enemy since time immemorial and stands united to eradicate it. There is nothing as painful as the death of a mother and or child. The United Nations, through the Sustainable Development Goals, is working towards reducing the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

“They are also committed to ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under five years of age mortality rate to as low as 12 per 1,000 live births.