Wife of the Anambra State governor,
Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano has charged Anambra State Women Association
Lagos (ASWAL) to lead the crusade of thinking home agenda of Gov. Willie Obiano
administration, reports ITRealms.
Speaking at the weekend during the
ASWAL Silver Jubilee Lectures and Awards held at the Colonedes Hotels Ikoyi,
Lagos, Mrs. Obiano charged the women to be in the frontline of the renewed
quest to develop Anambra and make it one of the most prosperous in the country
by attracting investments.
“You are all achievers in your own right alongside your husbands
but the task before us today is to ensure that we drive the development of
Anambra state by bringing investments and your wealth of experience back home
now that the governor has created the much needed security and environment for
businesses to thrive. Many are already answering the call and are beginning to
reap the benefits but more hands are needed on deck and you have a major role
to play,” she said.
ITRealms also reports
that Mrs. Obiano urged ASWAL to brace up as they celebrate 25 years and be
counted in the scheme of things especially in the application of their inputs
and talents to the development and growth of Anambra.
She stressed that “it is obvious
that our men have led the way, but the time is right for you to stand and be
counted. We should not feel inhibited by our gender because increasingly it is
becoming clear that intelligence and talent rather than status will determine
the choice of leaders in the years ahead.”
Mrs. Obiano cited the encouragement she has received as the wife
of the Governor of Anambra State which made it possible for her to expand the
scope of her involvement in charitable giving since 1991 to the formation of an
NGO, the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) - a non-profit service
organization which acts as a beacon for the empowerment of women, indigent
widows and the less privileged.
She highlighted the achievements of CAFÉ so far aimed at
improving the living conditions of the helpless and our communities. these
include; the building and hand-over of nine standard 2-Bed Room houses in
Agulu, Alor, Amichi, Amorka, Enugwu-otu Aguleri, Ogbunike, Nri, Umunya and
Awba-Ofemili. Also, CAFÉ Market toilets have been completed at Eke Igwe
Nteje, Afor Mbaukwu and Afor-Igwe, Umudioka while CAFE water projects are now
spread across nineteen communities including special institutions. She emphasized
that her NGO receives no funding or government support, but that the projects
were made possible by the grace of God, the encouragement of her husband who
donated his salary and other donors.
Mrs Obiano further advocated constructive criticism as panacea
for sustainable development and good guide for leaders in positions of
authority rather than divisive rhetoric which tends to divert attention from
the object and programmes that will make positive impact in the lives of the
people.
In his Opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, former
Commissioner for Local Government in Anambra State, Chief Dubem, said that “our
prayers to God are for our state to continue to progress,” and
advised ASWAL to properly define their vision and mission in the next 25 years
to guide their march to greater heights. He also told them to teach their
children Igbo language to help preserve our heritage and above all think home.
Welcoming the guests to the Silver Jubilee ceremony, President
of ASWAL, Dr. Mrs. Nkeiru Ifekwem, appealed to Anambra men to allow women to
develop their talents and pursue their aspirations to be able to contribute
towards the development of the state. She outlined the programmes of the association which include
the building Skills Acquisition Centre in Awka.
A total of 20 persons received various awards including Mrs.
Obiano who was recognized for services to humanity.
Anambra State Women Association Lagos was formed 25 years ago by
Anambra women resident in Lagos with the aim of promoting peaceful coexistence
among ndi-Anambra, welfare of the members to enlighten women on
their roles towards building Anambra state and to help the vulnerable and
the poor in the society among others.
Emeka Ozumba/GEE
ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!
Pix L-R: Speaker of Anambra State, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Barrister Rita Maduagwu, Wife of the Anambra State governor, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano has charged Anambra State Women Association Lagos (ASWAL) and ASWAL chairperson, Dr. Mrs. Nkeiru Ifekwem.
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