By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Imo State Government has concluded plans to officially launch its first-ever State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) 2026–2030, a strategic framework designed to strengthen women's participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and decision-making while promoting a more inclusive and peaceful society.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday during a pre-launch press conference held in Owerri and organized by the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Alliances for Africa (AfA) and the Imo State Women, Peace and Security Committee.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lady Nkechi Ugwu, explained that the State Action Plan serves as Imo State's domestic compliance mechanism to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the critical role of women in peace and security while advocating greater participation of women in decision-making at all levels of conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
She noted that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is anchored on five key pillars—Participation, Protection, Prevention, Relief, and Recovery—and emphasized that the successful implementation of the roadmap would require the active involvement of government institutions, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, religious bodies, academic institutions, women and youth groups, as well as the media.
"This landmark initiative, which will be officially launched by the Imo State First Lady, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, represents a defining moment in our state's history and a bold step towards building a safer, more inclusive and equitable society," Ugwu said.
According to the commissioner, the Action Plan seeks to advance women's participation in peacebuilding, leadership, and decision-making, strengthen protection mechanisms against all forms of violence, prevent conflicts and foster sustainable peace, improve access to justice, and promote community resilience through strategic partnerships.
She disclosed that the document was the outcome of extensive stakeholder engagements, consultations, and technical reviews that culminated in the successful development of Imo State's maiden Women, Peace and Security State Action Plan.
"It is localized. It is state-driven," she said, stressing that the framework reflects the unique realities and peace and security priorities of Imo State.
Ugwu expressed satisfaction that Imo has become the first state in Nigeria's South-East geopolitical zone to develop the Women, Peace and Security roadmap, describing it as "a promise of peace, safety and inclusion of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding engagements in Imo communities."
She added that the framework would also serve as a strategic response to the state's peace, security, and development priorities by ensuring women's active contributions in shaping sustainable solutions.
The commissioner further explained that the pre-launch conference was convened to present the final draft of the Action Plan for collective ownership, reinforce its localized nature, and reaffirm stakeholders' commitment to promoting peace and security across the state.
Describing the document as a call to action, Ugwu expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to its development, with special recognition to AfA for providing technical support throughout the drafting and validation processes.
Also speaking, AfA Programmes Director, Mrs. Blessing Duru, said the drafting and validation processes deliberately recognized the importance of culture in policy development, leading to extensive consultations and statewide engagements that ensured the document reflected local realities and enjoyed broad-based ownership.
She disclosed that a Reporting Committee as well as a Monitoring and Implementation Committee had already been established to drive effective implementation of the Action Plan in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Other speakers, including former Imo State lawmaker, Honourable Uju Onwudiwe, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Okeoma Godson, stressed the importance of comprehensive implementation of the Action Plan.
They expressed confidence that effective execution of the framework would complement existing legal instruments, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, in advancing gender equity, strengthening protection for vulnerable groups, and promoting lasting peace and social inclusion across Imo State.
