A SHINING LIGHT: PRINCESS JESSIE UDOKA-MENUBA HONOURED WITH ‘ADA DI ICHE 1 WORLDWIDE’ AWARD
By Regina Igwebuike
The Umuada Nimo married to Amawbia community in Awka South LGA has conferred the prestigious ‘Ada di iche 1 Worldwide’ Award on Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian work within the community and beyond.
Princess Udoka-Menuba (nee Oliobi), CEO/Founder of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International, is a native of Nimo in Njikoka LGA and wife of Rtd Air Commodore Ify Udoka-Menuba of Amawbia. Her non-profit organization focuses on empowering the less privileged, vulnerable children, and widows.
The ceremony held on April 12 at Dr. Pius Nworah’s compound in Adabebe Village, Amawbia, drew a distinguished crowd. In attendance were five traditional rulers, including HRH Igwe Uche Sunday Okonkwo, Okpaligwe of Amawbia, and HRM Igwe (Dr) B. O Okeji of Omasi Kingdom. Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu, President General of Amawbia, was also present as a special guest of honor.
Speaking at the event, Okpaligwe Amawbia thanked God for life and for the women of Nimo married to Amawbia. He prayed for the success of the gathering and for safe travels for all attendees. He described Princess Udoka-Menuba as “a gift to Amawbia Town,” noting that her tireless contributions to humanity were the reason the crowd gathered joyfully to celebrate her.
Igwe Okeji said he was thrilled and honoured to witness Princess Udoka-Menuba’s journey. He praised her strong belief in human capital development, adding that a large number of beneficiaries can attest to her impact and expressing hope for the continued reach of her philanthropic endeavors.
Barr. Michael Okoye, Chief Coordinator of Queen-Tovah Foundation, expressed joy over the honour bestowed on Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba.
“Today is quite remarkable for Ugosimba women from Nimo married to Amawbia. They have a good relationship with Princess Jessie, so they decided on their own to organize this event in commemoration of her good deeds to the global community and to them.”
He described the ceremony as fun-filled and colorful. “We witnessed everything today. At the end of the day, we are all pleased because Princess Jessie, in one way or another, has touched so many lives, including mine. I urge friends and families to keep Princess Jessie in their prayers as she continues her humanitarian work.
Nze Ndubuisi Nwokoye from Amawbia Ugbogiliga said, “No title fully captures what Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba has done for Amawbia and Nigeria. She has been class among class. Everybody is praying to belong to her, because she’s a mother of all. That’s why they gave her Mother General, Mother Theresa of the 21st Century. She’s every good thing that is in this world. He prayed for continued blessings on her, calling her a blessing to both Amawbia and Nimo communities.
“She’s a typical Igbo woman. There’s no Igbo food she doesn’t know how to cook. She’s not American. That’s why we rushed to Nimo and married her to come and bless us here in Amawbia, and she has been blessing us,” Nze Nwokoye added with a smile, praying God to grant her more years to see her great-grandchildren.
Speaking on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Chukwuma Nwudo, one of the organizers of Queen-Tovah Foundation, described the Princess as “a global and great woman. We continue to pray for her good health and long life.
In a joint welcome address, Lady Ngozi Nworah and Lady Anne-Mary Anumba, President and Secretary of Umuada Nimo married to Amawbia, said Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba single-handedly united the group through her humility and generosity.
“She made us know one another, which had never been the case before. She provided us with two different uniforms for different occasions, including different abadas for our personal use, plus other packages.”
They added that her generosity reflects a deep commitment to empowering women and uplifting communities, praying for God’s continued blessings on her endeavors.
Other attendees, including members of the Otu Odu Women Society, commended Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba for her genuine humanitarian services delivered without attachment. They described her philanthropy as selfless and impactful, noting that her consistent support has uplifted many lives across communities.
“Warmest congratulations, Your dedication to philanthropy is an inspiration to many. Well done Your selfless service has earned you this prestigious title “Ada Di Iche”, Continue to shine and spread love”.
Key moments of the event included the presentation of Princess Udoka-Menuba’s portrait, a vibrant cultural dance performance by the women’s group, and the sharing of rich “Item 7” — traditional refreshments — which brought colour and warmth to the celebration.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State