Chukwuemeka Egejuru
Women have been urged not to give up hope but to up their games, rise above societal challenges and make a mark in the society.
The coordinator, OV OV Women Development Association, Rev. Dr. Kate-Thelma Obilor who stated this during their 2021 August meeting, held at Group School Omoba, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area(LGA), charged women to choose to change the status quo.
Obilor also commended the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and his dear wife, Dr. Nkechi Carol Ikpeazu, for giving women a pridal place in the governance of Abia State.
She added that the essence of the event was to drive women developmental agenda of Abia Governor’s wife, Dr. Nkechi Carol Ikpeazu to the grassroot as unveiled in the recently concluded Abia Women August Delegate Conference (AWADEC) in the state.
In her words: “Gov Ikpeazu and his dear wife have shown that women are very important in governance. Today, the 35 per cent affirmative under Gov Ikpeazus-led administration has become a reality as we have so many women as permanent secretaries, former women commissioners, former secretaries to Local Government Areas (SECLOG), among others.
The woman leader further disclosed that the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Ikpeazu, has built over 150 houses for indigent women across the 17 LGAs, expressing hope that come 2023 general polls, women would be represented in Abia State House of Assembly as seen in the past.
In her keynote lecture entitled: ‘Choose to challenge’, Lady Ngozi Nwagbara (Ph.D) stated that women are the backbone of the society and that without women, the society or community will have no meaning.
She said that the theme of the event challenges women to make a choice by standing in the gap in difficult times.
Nwagbara further proffered some solutions which will help curb starvation, insecurity, bad governance, among others, to include prayers.
She added that the power of prayers in challenging situations cannot be overemphasized as God still listens to the cry of His people.
She also urged women to work hard to sustain the family as faith without work is vaniity, adding that development of the family altar is also vital is key to family progress.
This, she said, prepares the members spiritually and morally for the days activities.
Lady Nwagbara also advised women to let love and understanding reign in their homes always; be in good relationship with their children and ensure they discourage them from getting involved in crimes.
The resource person charged all to always be security conscious and monitor their girl childrens activities.
She, however, urged women to form co-operatives and start petty trading which will aid in accessing loans from government and public spirited individuals.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Prof Anthony C.B, Agbazuere has charged women not to be over zealous, envious but love themselves, adding that with unity of purpose, they can accomplish a lot.
Represented by the former deputy chairman, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Hon Rowland Chinwendu Dennis Ceaser, the chief of staff to the Governor, commended Rev. Obilor for championing women development agenda in Isiala-Ngwa South and Abia State, adding that Abia State government is proud of her.
The women group honoured Agbazuere with a prestigious award of Ohamadike 1 of Ov Ov, whereas the Chairman, Isiala-Ngwa South, Hon. Ike Anyatonwu, Permanent Secretary, Abia Ministry of Agriculture, Sir Charles Agbara, and Mr. Solomon Itiba were also honoured with different awards.
In their goodwill messages, the patron of the group and theGeneral Manager, Abia State CSDA, Dr. Chinatu Njoku and President General Ov.Ov, Hon. Asuoha, they described the women group as one the key partners in nation building, urging them to continue to mentor the younger ones in order to preserve their posterity.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Ike Anyatonwu, Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Sir Charles Agbara, and Mr. Solomon Itiba commended Lady Obilor-led women organization for sustaining the women developmental strides of Abia Governors wife, Mrs Ikpeazu at rural communities.
Represented by Mr Michael Amamba, Mr Emmanuel Nwachukwu and Elder Itiba respectively, they urged women to use their capacities to educate women, youths and curb insecurity in our society.
In her remark, the President of the group, Lady Veronica B. Nwadawa, revealed that one of the aims of the association is to unite women and with the unity of purpose make reasonable achievements in the community.
She further appealed for more women empowerment to enable them play their roles effectively in their communities.
Highlights of the event was novelty football tournament among the four political bloc in Isiala-Ngwa South (Nvosi, Mbutu, OV OV and Amaobi), which was won by women from Amaobi, free medical outreach, lectures, empowerment, among others.