By Stella Anekwe
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has urged the newly inaugurated executive of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Women Wing to uphold the association’s constitution and be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Onyekesi gave the advice on July 24 in Awka while inaugurating the executive, led by Mrs Onuigwe Blessing Ukamaka, at the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
She cautioned the officials against bitterness, favouritism, eye service and actions inconsistent with the association’s constitution, urging them to focus on community development and the overall progress of Anambra State.
The commissioner also stressed the need for love, honesty, transparency, diligence, teamwork and selfless service, warning that division, religious politics and clique leadership could undermine the association’s goals. She said only a united and accountable leadership would enable the women wing to make a meaningful impact across the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Barr. Vin-Ifeanyi Ezeaka, urged the new executive to remain focused, united and committed to advancing the objectives of the ASTUC Women Wing in support of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s development agenda.
Ezeaka advised the officials against arrogance and abuse of office, urging them to build lasting legacies. He also announced plans to institute a performance based competition for the men’s and women’s wings of ASTUC to recognise outstanding community leadership.
In her response, the newly inaugurated President, Mrs Onuigwe Blessing Ukamaka, pledged prudent management of the association’s resources and appealed to members to embrace love, unity, cooperation and collaboration. She also assured the commissioner of the association’s support for the programmes of the ministry and the Healthy Living Initiative of the Governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo.
Earlier, the immediate past President of the ASTUC Women Wing, Lady Joy Otti, urged members to give the new leadership their full support, while the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Mary-Imelda Obianuju Nwogu, who administered the oath of office, charged the executives to abide by the association’s constitution and government directives. She also commended Onyekesi for ensuring a transparent and non partisan electoral process.
The event also featured the inauguration of ward and expanded executives of the ASTUC Women Wing, with Onuigwe expressing appreciation to Onyekesi, Ezeaka and the electoral committee for conducting what she described as a credible election.
Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
