Date: 29 June, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
The Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigeria Women (PEP4NW), Ebonyi State Chapter, has defended the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudaline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, against a deliberate smear campaign over her professional background before becoming the First Lady.
In a statement signed by the State Coordinator, Comrade Mrs. Onuoha Martina Nwamaka, the group condemned a trending online video in which a social media commentator questioned the First Lady’s occupation before her husband assumed office as Governor.
The women group described the remarks as misleading, malicious and an attempt to undermine the contributions of women in leadership and public service.
According to the statement, Mrs. Nwifuru is a graduate of Ebonyi State University and a staff of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre) Abakaliki, where she built a reputation as a diligent public servant.
PEP4NW said the First Lady has continued to distinguish herself through her pet project, BERWO (Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation), which has provided healthcare, financial support, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for thousands of women, children and vulnerable persons across Ebonyi State.
The group further stated that Mrs. Nwifuru’s advocacy has encouraged greater participation of women in politics and governance, describing her as a role model whose humanitarian initiatives have transformed many lives.
While urging members of the public to disregard what it called sponsored blackmail, the association reaffirmed its support for the First Lady and commended her unwavering support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration.
PEP4NW also praised the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to advancing the welfare of Nigerian women and promoting inclusive development across the country.
The group called on political actors to refrain from personal attacks capable of discouraging women from participating in leadership and nation-building.
