By Nnedinma Okeke
Reactions following the Anambra State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) themed- “Give To Gain” Celebration held on March 31, 2026 at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka projects Women as powerful Icons in the Society.
The event featured celebration of Anambra Female Achievers Awardees which includes; Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University- Igbariam, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Rector, Federal Polytechnic- Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, and Executive Chairman, ASUBEB- Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi.
Also, Political Icon- Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Anambra State All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party Woman Leader- Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, Lawyer, Woman Leader and Educationist- Barr. Oge Ekweozor, Ace Actress- Ngozi Ezeonu, Ace Broadcaster- Dr. Ify Aronu and Humanitarian- Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze.
The NAWOJ Anambra State Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika urged for the movement of women reclaiming their voice and places as it would pave way for future generations. She emphasized that time has gone when women were nothing in the society.
Comrade Ifejika explained that the aim of the Achievers Awardees was to celebrate women who had given their all to achieve the heights they attained today. She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for entrusting women with key roles in his administration.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University- Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, noting that women are perquisites force for a society to move forward, urged that they be given more opportunities to lead in key positions across sectors.
The Chairperson, National Council of Women Society, Mrs Theresa Nnolue urged women to accept special seats being agitated for in the society while also ensuring that the girl child is trained to also follow suit.
Dr Anwuli Aguihei, President – League of Women Voters advised for women to always support women, helping them to grow. This she said would lead to more powerful women icons in the society.
The Executive Chairman, ASUBEB- Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi urged that women already established should help to establish other women. She pleaded that women treat all girl child same irrespective of if the child was theirs or not.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his belief in women while urging NAWOJ to continue projecting women as it could aid showcase them in the society.
Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command – CP Ikioye Orutugu speaking at the event, advised women/mothers that while playing their roles, not to dictate careers of their children. He thanked NAWOJ and Anambra Women for the support given to Police force in the stat. He promised no more blood shed in Anambra.
A Humanitarian, Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze during the event made a call for NAWOJ and women in the society to always aid support less privileged children, especially those in orphanages. She emphasized that it was a great call of duty for women in the society to show empathy.
The Chief Executive Officer, Seahorse Lubricant, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo in his remarks, thanked the NAWOJ family for showing the strength and power of women in the society.
The 2026 NAWOJ IWD “Give To Gain” Celebration had in attendance women from different fields. It was held in partnership with Anambra State Government, Lovebite Foods and Beverages Limited, Kates Associates Industries Limited, Event Table Water, International Breweries PLC, and Tummy-Tummy Instant Noodles.
Nnedima is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
