Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured that his administration will approve the erection of monuments in honour of historic women, including the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday, at Onu Ibina, Igbere Bende LGA, during the burial ceremony of Mrs Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe.
The Governor who was responding to the request by the Hon Nnamdi Ibekwe for the erection of monuments to honour women, particularly those associated with the historic 1929 uprising, pledged government support.
He added that such recognition would serve as encouragement to women who contribute immensely to societal growth.
“I want to thank the Honourable member for the request he made here. And the request was not about him. It was not even about Chiamaka. It was about the Abia women from inception.
“Our women have always been great women. If you don’t know, then you don’t know history. We’ve come to the level where somehow, either knowingly or unknowingly, we have refused to give women their due, particularly in our diaspora.
” I’ve been at the forefront of fighting that women should be recognised and given their due place so the request you have made, I want to assure you that it is not only going to be considered, but it is going to be approved.
“And I believe it is going to be a great encouragement to women who toil day and night. Women, who, if they are not there, food may not be available, the children may not be able to go to school. Your trade may suffer. So we have to do this for the women folk and for humanity”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor who lamented the absence of female lawmakers in the State House of Assembly further used the occasion to advocate greater inclusion of women in governance.
He noted that the life of the Late Mrs Ibekwe was a divine gift and urged mourners not to grieve like unbelievers without the hope of resurrection, expressing confidence that the deceased was in a better place.
“Let me start by repeating that we are thanking God for the gift of this woman lying here today. A special privilege that we had her in the first place.
“If you spent time to read the tributes or if you encountered her, then you would know she was a gift from God. And because she was a gift, the giver will always determine the way he will take. It is not for us to decide what will happen”, the Governor said.
In an emotional tribute, the Chief mourner and Member Representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, described his late wife as his “paragon of peace” and “tranquilliser”, whose presence radiated calmness and godliness.
Hon Ibekwe extolled his late wife as a prayerful and exceptional woman who positively impacted many lives and used the occasion to renew his earlier motion in the Abia State House of Assembly for the erection of monuments to honour historic women, particularly, the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising.
He urged Governor Otti to support the initiative, noting that such monuments would immortalise the “heroic deeds” of women and serve as a fitting legacy in honour of his late wife.
“Therefore, Your Excellency, I want to request that monuments be erected in honour of the heroines of 1929. If you do this, Chiamaka will rest in peace”, he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Ahukwa, while paying glowing tributes to the deceased, described her as a “virtuous woman, mentor and good example”, whose absence has created a significant void and urged the family to remain strong and cherish her legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the Wives of members of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Eucharia Okezie, said the late Mrs Ibekwe was a prayer warrior who loved God, shared the message of Christ among her colleagues adding that she who would be remembered for the enduring legacy she left behind.
In her sermon, Rev. Mrs Oyiks Alfred of Word Based Assembly, admonished mourners not to grieve like those without hope, urging the living to reflect on their lives and embrace God and prayed that the Almighty would comfort the bereaved family and all those affected by the passing of Mrs Ibekwe.
Earlier, in a biography, the second son of the deceased, Chimmezirim Ibekwe described his late mother as a quintessential representation of God’s goodness; “a woman that radiated peace and divine aura as well as a devoted wife, loving mother, and a quiet philanthropist who built her home on prayer, love, and strong belief in her children”.
He noted that although her passing has left a great void, her enduring legacy lives on through the many lives she positively impacted.
The solemn ceremony, marked by praise, worship and prayers for the bereaved family, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, political leaders and sympathisers including the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti; the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu; members of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly; commissioners; special aides to the Governor; key stakeholders from Abia North; traditional rulers; and members of the academic community.
