By CHARLES IWUOHA

Wives of Nigerian governors have resolved to keep up the fight against sexual Gender-based violence in their various states.

This was contained in a communique issued after a closed-door meeting at the Centenary City, new Government House Abakaliki on Thursday.

The communique was read by their Chairperson and First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq.

The communique reads In part: ?The forum affirms yet again its unwavering resolve to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.

?Accordingly, the first ladies have collectively endorsed the Global Alliance for Vaccination Immunization, GAVl Initiative, committing to sustained advocacy for HPV vaccine uptake to protect our girls? health.

?The next line of action is a selective sensitization of wives of local government chairman on HPV vaccination cancer awareness.?

The first ladies also pledged to vigorously advocate for adopting six months of paid maternity leave, engaging executive governors and state legislators to promote the policy across all states for improved maternity and child welfare.

The meeting, which had 23 first ladies in attendance, observed a minute?s silence for their colleague, late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.