By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs) Esther Onyekesi, has inaugurated the former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, as the new President-General of the Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing.
The inauguration, which took place on Aug. 22 at Ndiabor Hall, Ojoto Oboofia, in Idemili South Local Government Area, also featured the swearing-in of other newly elected members of the executive council. The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, cabinet members and other stakeholders from Ojoto, including the Traditional Ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu.
Representing the commissioner at the ceremony, the Head of Department, Mrs. Bernice Uchendu, accompanied by the President of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Women Wing, Mrs. Blessing Onuigwe, and the Women Development Officer for Idemili South LGA, Lady Oby Nwosu, urged the newly inaugurated executive to adhere strictly to the union’s constitution and discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour assuring the new leadership of the ministry’s continued support and willingness to assist whenever necessary.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Nwafulugo expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler, the commissioner, community leaders and members of the Ojoto community for the confidence reposed in her. She described her emergence as a “call to service” and pledged to provide purposeful leadership anchored on integrity, fairness, transparency and commitment. Dr. Nwafulugo said her administration would focus on strengthening unity, promoting education, facilitating skills acquisition, empowering women and advancing community development.
According to her, her vision is to build “a united, empowered, educated, economically strong, and socially responsible Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing” capable of contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development of Ojoto. She said her administration would strive to ensure that every woman has a voice, girls have access to education, vulnerable women receive support, and women seeking economic independence are provided with practical assistance.
Dr. Nwafulugo identified unity and peaceful coexistence among women across the villages and sections of Ojoto as a major priority of her administration. She also announced plans for an Ojoto Women Education and Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting indigent students, particularly girls. Other proposed initiatives include career guidance, mentoring programmes and educational seminars, with professionals and entrepreneurs from Ojoto expected to contribute their expertise.
The new president-general further pledged to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of the union’s resources and execution of its programmes calling for partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners and sons and daughters of Ojoto at home and abroad to support clearly defined and accountable projects. Dr. Nwafulugo also appealed to women of the union to contribute their ideas, prayers and active participation towards the success of the new administration.
Meanwhile, the outgoing President-General, Hon. (Mrs.) Anthonia Okonkwo, formally handed over the affairs of the union to the newly inaugurated executive. She was commended for her achievements during her tenure, particularly her efforts in facilitating the construction of two mega cassava processing plants for women in Ojoto Uno and Ojoto Oboofia. Okonkwo also pledged to continue supporting the new executive whenever her assistance is required.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, blessed the women’s wing and urged the new leadership to prioritise peace, unity and the overall development of the community. The newly inaugurated executive includes: Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo as President-General; Lady Dora Esimoneze, Vice President; Mrs Ijeoma Onwuegbuna, Secretary; Mrs Ubah Chinyere Ejikeme among others.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were the Deputy Mayor of Idemili South, Hon. Ifeanyi Anakuba; President-General of Ojoto Akanasato Town Union, High Chief Barr. Ernest Obunadike, Ichie Ezieke, represented by Chief Paul Agbafuna, Igede Ojoto; High Chief Romanus Anyisia, Ichie Obododike; and Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ilechukwu Egwuumumuo. They congratulated the new executive and urged them to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration, which they said positively impacted the lives and welfare of women in Ojoto Akanasato.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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