Sunday Nkama
Afikpo Local Government Headquarters on Tuesday was electrified with euphoria as the women of the area celebrated their 2025 August Women Assembly in grand splendor, graced with the esteemed presence of Her Excellency, the Wife of the Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudaline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
On arrival, Her Excellency was warmly received by the Chairperson of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mrs. Keziah Uduma Nwachi, the Head of Service, Dr. RitaMary Okoro; the wife of the Member Representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ukamaka Igariwey; the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service (Establishment), Dr. Isioma C. Arunne-Inyang, former Hon. member that represented Afikpo East State Constituency, Hon Chief (Mrs) Ngozi Lilian Eziuloh and other notable female stakeholders of Afikpo LGA extraction.
In an atmosphere brimming with joy and anticipation for an impactful gathering of women of substance, a hearty and effusive welcome was extended to Her Excellency by the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U, who received the August Visitor in his office. Thereafter, the Council Chairman, in the company of the Chairperson, led Her Excellency and entourage to the venue of the event, where a mammoth crowd of jubilant women celebrated the Mother of the State in majestic splendor
Addressing the women, the Wife of the Governor, Chief (Mrs) Mary-Maudaline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Deborah Chinwe Okah, commended the women of the area for their resilience spirit and charged them to continue to inspire their families, friends, and communities for good works in line with the theme of this year’s August Meeting; “Women Who Inspire Change”.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U lavished praise on Governor Nwifuru and his wife for their progressive and robust policies and programs aimed at emancipating women from the shackles of deprivation and marginalization in the rural areas, adding that those gender-friendly initiatives are yielding significant results in all parts of Ebonyi State.
In an address, the Chairperson of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon (Mrs) Keziah Uduma Nwachi also applauded Gov Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the Mother of State, Chief(Mrs) Mary-Maudaline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for their relentless efforts in making the lives of women in the State more meaningful with strategic appointments and other initiatives, assuring that the women of Afikpo LGA will continue to follow their footsteps in inspiring good works in the Area that bring unity,peace and progress.
The Chairperson of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Keziah Uduma Nwachi, in her usual characteristic benevolence, generously distributed gift items, including rice, wrappers, and buckets, to deserving women.
In their separate speeches,the Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Lilian Ngozi Eziuloh; the wife of the Hon. Member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Lolo Florence Ukamaka Igariwey; the first female Executive Chairman of Afikpo LGA & Commissioner III, LGSC, Hon. Barr. Oby Oko Enyim; the SA to the Governor on Women Mobilization, Lolo Henrietta U. Ikpor; the Coordinator of Ubeyi DC, Hon. Aisha Nwachi; the Coordinator of Afikpo North East DC, Comrade Immaculata Elem Ibe; and the President General of Okwuruoha Women Movement for FON, Prof. (Mrs.) Lois Nnenna Amari Omaka who extolled the virtues of the Governor’s inclusive administration commended the Governor and his wife so highly for revolutionizing governance in Ebonyi State, particularly empowering women to reach their full potentials and compete favorably with their peers globally.
The Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Ritamary Okoro, and Dr. (Mrs.) Sorochi Otu delivered insightful lectures that enlightened participants on inspiring change in a rapidly evolving world.
In a show of solidarity, prominent stakeholders, including Federal Commissioner, South East Development Commission and Chairman, Ebonyi Founding Fathers Forum, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor; Hon. Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi; former Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Dr. Francis U. Orji; Okabue Essa Ehugbo; Essa Maurice Isu; Chief Dave O. Nwachukwu (MON); Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Madukibe Ewa; and esteemed Royal Fathers, such as Ezeogo Patrick Oko Agha (Afikpo Autonomous Community); Ezeogo Michael Eze (Amata-Akpoha Autonomous Community); Ezeogo Edward Ewa Chukwu (Ibii/Ozizza Autonomous Community); and Ezeogo Augustine Ogbonna (Amogu-Akpoha), among others, graced the event with their presence
The grand event was a true spectacle, showcasing regal elegance through its sumptuous decor and exquisite fine dining experience, and featured the conferment of Awards to deserving Women of the Area, including the Deputy Governor who was honored with Enyo Enya Ehugbo Award.
Other recipients were; the Member Representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Chief Idu Igariwey (Empowerment Master Award); immediate Past Chairperson of Afikpo LGA,Mrs Sandra Onyinyechi Uche Ibiam (Uremma Ehugbo); Engr Chief Ibru Ogbonnia Nwachi (Pillar of the Poor); Mr Tony Agha( Hero of Hope); High Chief Sunday Ike Ogbonnia (Smile Hope Alive); Hon(Mrs) Elizabeth Oledimma (Courageous Mother of the Year); Chief(Mrs) Cecilia Akanu( An Ideal Mother of the Year) and Lady Franca Egwu (Excellent Mother of the Year)
