By Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon ify Obunabo, appeared before the Anambra State House of Assembly to defend her ministry’s ₦500 million budget allocation for the year.
During the budget defense session, the commissioner outlined the ministry’s core mandate, emphasizing its central role in child protection, gender protection, and general welfare services across the state.
She reported significant progress made by the ministry in the first quarter of 2025.
According to her, the ministry recorded over 4,000 cases of gender-based violence within the period. Through its Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, more than 3,000 cases were successfully reconciled and several unresolved cases were charged to court, resulting in over 400 judicial judgments delivered between January and the present date.
Mrs Obunabo described these outcomes as clear evidence of the ministry’s “dedicated and effective work” in protecting vulnerable groups across Anambra State.
The commissioner assured Ndi Anambra that the ministry’s commitment to protection and welfare remains unwavering.
She said that with the 2026 budget allocation the ministry will intensify efforts in child protection and gender rights; support for widows and widowers; and protection of abused men, noting that domestic violence affects not only women but men as well and also combatting illegal adoption, which she said has already been reduced by nearly 80%.
She encouraged residents not to fear, assuring them that their welfare remains a priority of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
“No widow, child, man, or victim of violence should feel intimidated anywhere in Anambra State. The ministry will continue to protect the lives and welfare of Ndi Anambra.”
She reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to sustaining and improving welfare systems, promising that the coming year will bring even stronger protections for all vulnerable groups under her leadership.
Gloria is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
