By Grace Samuel
Mrs. Marymaudlin Nwifuru, the wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, has issued a warning to pregnant women and underage children, urging them to refrain from engaging in mining activities in the state.
This caution came during a visit from women miners to her residence in Oferekpe, Agbaja.
Mrs. Nwifuru emphasized that her foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced (BERWO), will collaborate with Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) to ensure compliance with the mining act of 2007.
Encouraging women to focus on productivity within their households, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed the belief that such efforts would lead to increased support from their husbands in effectively managing their homes.
During the meeting, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, the leader of the women miners group, shared experiences of violence and discrimination faced by women in the mining industry.
She stressed the importance of safety, harmony, and equality in their work and expressed concern about the involvement of underage children in the sector, citing adverse impacts on their health and education.
The Christmas event also hosted members of the Hausa community, Umuada Ndiibe aliegu, and Agbaja women groups.
Mrs. Nwifuru’s appeal serves as a proactive measure to safeguard the well-being of pregnant women and children, aligning with efforts to ensure a secure and supportive environment for women engaged in mining activities in Ebonyi State.
The collaboration between BERWO and WIMIN is poised to reinforce the adherence to mining regulations and promote the welfare of women in the sector.