The Oganihu Umuenyere Azumini has celebrated its 2025 August Meeting in grand style, marking a week-long programme filled with activities that strengthened unity, showcased cultural heritage, and inspired the women of Azumini to greater heights.
The celebration kicked off with a solemn prayer session, followed by a spirited football competition, a colourful match past, and several other engaging activities that drew members from within Nigeria and abroad.
In her presidential address, the President of Oganihu Umuenyere Azumini, Mrs. Eziuche Ada Ogeh, began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty for granting them the privilege to celebrate the event. She also extended her appreciation to all who honoured the invitation to be part of the occasion.
Speaking on the theme of the year’s meeting, “Seizing the Moment,” Mrs. Ogeh encouraged everyone to be intentional about making the most of opportunities that come their way.
“Seizing the moment means grabbing opportunities towards doing things that are unique and meaningful. If there is anything good one needs to do, they shouldn’t hesitate to seize the moment”, she stressed.
“Do not shy away from grabbing the opportunity else your heart will be surrounded with emptiness and regret”.
The President, Oganihu Umuenyere Azumini, Mrs Eziuche Ada Ogeh.
She, however , urged members both at home and abroad, to continue believing in the association’s leadership.
“Our home and abroad members, I entreat you to maintain your confidence in the current leadership of Oganihu Umuenyere Azumini. We are soaring higher by God’s grace”,she assured.
Mrs. Ogeh also expressed gratitude to the men for their continued encouragement and partnership in the group’s projects.
“I will not fail to appreciate our loving husbands who are readily available to give due support and proffer useful advice whenever necessary. We are humbled by this act and cannot thank you enough for your understanding”, she said warmly.
Highlighting the association’s achievements over the past two years, she outlined several milestones, including: The affiliation of the Igbani na Madu Women with Oganihu Umuenyere Azumini;Sustaining cordial relations with the interim administrative committee;Production of building blocks for the commencement of the Skill Acquisition Center project;Campaigns to discourage indecent dressing among young women.
Inspiring Azumini women to be seen as role models across other communities.
“Other communities are emulating us, they call us to know how we achieved all these. It is the Lord’s doing. We have been charged to move forward with ‘Obi Oli,”, she added joyfully.
While celebrating their progress, Mrs. Ogeh also highlighted pressing challenges facing the association to include; the completion of the Skill Acquisition Center, installation of a borehole at the proposed site, acquisition of a new generator to replace the aging one, and provision of financial support for women to start small-scale businesses.
She ended her speech with a heartfelt blessing;“I pray for safety for all those who graced the occasion”.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman , Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Chibunna Akara, commended the President and the planning committee for organizing an August Meeting “worthy of emulation” and praised their vision and organization.
The Mayor encouraged the women to remain steadfast in their good works and to keep contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the community. He assured them that his administration remains firmly committed to carrying them along in every initiative and programme, emphasizing that their voices, concerns, and ideas will always be given due attention and respect.
The Chairman on the occasion, Chief Chidi Ogbulu, warmly commended the women, expressing deep admiration for their remarkable unity, steadfast commitment, and the spirit of love that binds them together, noting that such virtues are the foundation for lasting progress in the community.
Also speaking, the Councillor representing Azumini Ward, Hon. Bright Ekeke, while addressing the women, expressed how proud he was of their efforts and contributions to the development of the community. He also conveyed deep gratitude for their immense support.
Seizing the moment, he reiterated his appreciation and pledged his support, in line with the theme of the event.
“I assure you all of my cooperation and collaboration going forward, as I look forward to your continued support for the administration of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and Dr. Alex Otti”, he said.
He went on to pray for their good health and longevity, asking God to continually guide and position them for greater positivity and impact.
In their separate speeches, the President of the Azumini Welfare Association (AWA), Mr. Azu Nwankwo, the Onye nwe uhu, Uhu Nta, Hon. Ogbo Ubani and the SECLOG,Ukwa East Local Government Area, Pastor Iheanyi Adindu, poured encomium on the women of Azumini for the zeal, unity, and tireless commitment they demonstrated towards the successful hosting of the 2025 Azumini August Meeting. They noted that the women’s efforts had not only ensured the smooth execution of the programme but had also showcased the spirit of cooperation and resilience for which the community is known,while expressing deep appreciation.
They encouraged all members of the community to continue working together in the same spirit, never relenting in their drive to achieve greater milestones for Azumini and to sustain the legacy of excellence for which the August Meeting has come to be celebrated.
A special health talk on “Breast Cancer”, delivered by Lolo Nnenna Ododo, who reminded women of the critical importance of regular breast screening, timely medical check-ups, and the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for no less than six months.
In appreciation to the health talk presentation, the former deputy T.C chairman,Ukwa East L.G.A,Hon. Lady Cecilia Okere, commended the presenter for an educative speech, while encouraging women to make it a habit to check their health regularly.
“Women should always enable to go for check-up weekly as it will go a long way in accessing their health status”, she urged.
Cultural preservation was also a major talking point at the gathering. Lady Nneoma Emuchay, appealed to Azumini women not to let their dialect fade away.
“These days, women married into Azumini speak the dialect better. I urge you to imbibe it and make it compulsory for your children as well”, she said, further urging women not to allow the culture of the land to die off.
In support, Lady Stella Igbokwe thanked God for the life of Lady Emuchay, describing her as a woman whom God has used to sustain Azumini’s traditions over the years. She also applauded Umuenyere Azumini for their discipline and consistency.
“Azumini, known for their mgbede dance, ikoro and culture, must ensure that the culture lives on”,she reminded.
One of the distinguished awardees, Engr. Emeka Ogeh, in his remarks, expressed profound appreciation to the Oganihu Women for bestowing on him the prestigious title of “Worthy Son.” He described the honour as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it serves as a renewed call to service. Engr. Ogeh assured the gathering that he would remain steadfast in contributing meaningfully to the growth and success of the present administration.
He further pledged to work tirelessly towards the advancement, unity, and overall well-being of all Azumini indigenes, affirming that the progress of his people will always be at the heart of his endeavours.
The 2025 August Meeting concluded with colourful highlights, including the mgbede dance, old school songs, the official launch of the Oganihu Project, foundation laying of the skill acquisition center , the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, among others.
The awardees include: Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ;Engr. Emeka Ogeh – Worthy Son; Hon. Dakuku Peterside – Grand Patron; Sir Eluwa Ebbis – Patron; Miss Ijeoma Ekeke – Worthy Daughter; Engr. Chidi Precious Ogolo – Noble Son; Mrs. Ugwulo Emuchay – Nwanyi eji agamba.
In her vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Leticia Obianyi, expressed profound gratitude to all dignitaries, guests, and members of the community who graced the 2025 Azumini August Meeting with their presence.
She acknowledged the sacrifices, moral support, and various contributions both big and small that ensured the success of the programme.
Mrs. Obianyi also extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals, groups, and well-wishers who, in one way or another, offered their resources, time, and prayers towards the event. She concluded by fervently praying for God’s abundant blessings, protection, and continued favour upon all who played a role in making the celebration a memorable and impactful one.
Present during the event include, Hon. Sam Okere, Chief of Staff to the Ukwa East Mayor; Hon. Charles Ukaegbu, Majority Leader, Legislative Council; Hon. Bright Ekeke, Councilor Azumini ward; Hon. Obioma Nwaulu, Supervisor for Works; Mr Chinedu Ekeke, Chairman Azumini Youth,among others.
The event left a lasting impression of unity, culture, and purposeful action among the Azumini women, setting a new benchmark for community gatherings in the region.
