Anambra State government has pledged its continued commitment towards sustaining the betterment of values of Nigerian women in all fields of human endeavours.
The State governor, Chief Willie Obiano made the pledge Friday while declaring open the 2015 Mothers’ Summit open, with the theme, “Realizing the Values of the Nigerian Woman – Osodieme’s CAFÉ in Focus” at the Women Development Centre, Awka, the state capital.
The governor who was accompanied by the wife, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano reiterated the importance his administration attaches to the empowerment of women, on account of which he has continued to appoint them in leadership positions to enable them contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He charged them to always support his administration’s Four Pillars of Development and their Enablers aimed at improving the lots of the citizenry, assuring that he will leave the State better than he met it.
Chief (Mrs.) Obiano who spoke as the Chief Host said that she considers “the theme appropriate in helping us appreciate the roles and contributions of women to socio-political developments at global, multinational and national levels.”
She noted how well the keynote Speaker captured the activities of her pet project, CAFE, and the value being added to the lives of women in the society, asserting that “we all are aware that women are quiet leaders and achievers. Many of us have seen our mothers in action and can attest to their dedication and commitment to the family and societal development.”
Concurring with a certain statement, that “Women are the glue of the communities we serve. To change the world, invest in one woman,” the governor’s wife said it obtains in every aspect and levels of human endeavour.
She appreciated the global role of the United Nations Commission on the status of women (CSW), in pursuing gender equality and advancement of women since the Beijing Conference, and maintained that “… a lot of progress has been made in the area of the 35% affirmative action with more women thrust into positions of authority.
“Today I am proud to say that our dear State Anambra is ahead of others in recognition and appointment of women to positions of authority. The Obiano administration has many Women Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and other top government functionaries at different arms and levels of government. The latest in the appointment of women into strategic position is the emergence of a Woman Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu, who succeeded another Woman Speaker.
While urging them to continue to support Governor Obiano and his team, she expressed the hope that the meetings will discuss the challenges and barriers faced by women, review progress made while at the same time setting agenda on issues that will further promote empowerment of women.
The governor’s wife called on the womenfolk to live a benevolent life, “You should embrace charity. I urge you all to touch lives. Always do the things that will please God and give them inner joy. Always use every opportunity available to you to touch live positively. My husband and I attained the height we are because we are always cheerful givers. The mind to give is important.”
Contributing, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Deaconess Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu while extending the goodwill of her husband, Okezie Ikpeazu and the good people of Abia State to the Obiano-led administration tasked women to prioritize their choices and take the best decisions in their undertakings.
Mrs. Ikpeazu who was represented by Lady Vivian Udeoko Chukwu advised them to always ensure that success in their chosen career does not affect the way they bring up their children, even as she urged the children and wards to respect their elders.
She urged the mothers to assume their appropriate positions and contribute to community development in the areas while pursuing projects that enhances status of women, widows and their children.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra, Mrs. Oby Nkem-Okeke while pointing out that the attendance of the wife of the governor of Abia State to the event shows the close relationship existing between the two states, reminded the women that they can do all things through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Okeke who described Chief (Mrs) Obiano of possessing an “inner beauty that comes from God,“ enumerated the ten qualities of a virtuous woman as faith, trust worthy, service, teacher (in the way of the Lord), healthy living; discipline with care and wisdom; industry; home maker and time.
Delivering a Keynote Address titled, Nwanyi bu ife: Realizing the Values of the Nigerian Woman: Osodieme’s CAFÉ in Focus, a retired Vice Principal, Lady May Ojukwu questioned what the world would be like without a woman, pointing out that overtime, some women have made tremendous impact in their different careers, she mentioned Mary Slessor, Late Professor Dora Akunyili, the Biblical Deborah and now the wife of the governor, of Anambra State, Osodieme, whom she described thus: “… She is a God-given gift to us.”
Lady Ojukwu also noted her assistance to farmers with free seedlings, and jobs to the unemployed youths through Sure-P, fashion design, over 1000 engaged in SURE- GIS programme, support to indigent widows. succour to the physically challenged as well as empowerment of women to be meaningfully engaged through skills acquisition trainings in areas of hair dressing, tailoring and fashion designing, Soap making, confectionary, and others. after which she provided the trainees with tools and take-off funds.
“Osodieme’s achievement is a challenge to us all in whatever we are doing, and we should take a queue and become builders of life like her. We should thank God for giving her to us as a gift to Anambra.”She concluded.
The 2015 Mothers’ Summit was also attended by the wife of the National Chairman of the All Progressives
Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Mary Oye, former Deputy governor, Mrs. Chinwe Sibeudu, the Summit initiator/former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ego Uzoezie, now the Provost of College of Education, wife of former Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Chinelo Orizu, wives of Chairmen, Legislative Wives Association (LEWA) female councillors.
Others were the representative of the Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Command; team from National Council for Women Society (NCWS), Christian Women Organization (CWO) and Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), representatives of Yoruba and Hausa communities in Anambra, Umuada Igbo, Osodieme Obiano Ladies Movement, Willy Obiano Support Group, APGA faithful, and market women.
