By Chidinma Omar


For the Women of Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, the heavy down pour which preceded  their  2022 August Meeting were showers of blessing, an additional  ornament crowning with triumph,  the grand finale of a week-long events of stock taking, celebrations and goal setting


 Despite the rains, the atmosphere appeared gay and colourful with the Obuohia Obi-Ibere women appearing  resplendent and  self-assured in their red and blue finery exuding confidence, resilience and feminine elegance


In her welcome address, President General, Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union Women’s Wing (ODU Women’s Wing), Pastor Princess Chinyere Onuigbo applauded her members who sacrificed time and resources to grace the annual home-coming  ceremony.


The PG, wife of Rep Sam Onuigbo went on to compare and contrast the 2022 August Meeting themes for Abia State and Obuohia Obi-Ibere.

Pastor (Mrs) Onuigbo exposited that while the Abia's theme of “Women in Abia: Engineering Development, Creating Legacies” evokes pictures of  women  deliberately creating  sustainable legacies in the spaces they occupy by using whatever God has given them; That of Obuohia Obi-Ibere, “My Worship, My Weapon” is a reminder  that worship is the vessel through which peace—a vital ingredient for all developmental legacies—is achieved.

 She further analysed the journey of  Obuohia Obi-Ibere women over the years, articulated roadmap for the future, and outlined routes towards consolidation of their triumphs and moving forward towards achieving  greater milestones.


Her better half, Rep.  Onuigbo,  member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and  the Abia Central Senatorial Candidate for the All Progressive Congress (APC), sustained his long  standing habit of celebrating the August Meeting with the women of his community, and was ably represented by his Chief Liaison Officer, Mr Abraham Osondu.


In his remarks, the lawmaker lauded Obuohia Obi-Ibere women, describing  them as  pillars of peace and healing of  the land. He also  congratulated them for successfully conducting a peaceful election, which has ushered in his wife  as the President General of Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union Women’s Wing (ODU Women’s Wing).

 

The lawmaker fondly hailed as 'Odozi Obodo' sang the praises of the women for collaborating with the menfolk to rehabilitate the school building in the community, and  transforming what was formerly am  eyesore  into a beautiful and conducive learning environment. 

“I am also working hard to revive the Ambassadors College back to a greater glory than it was previously” he announced


Rep Onuigbo reiterated that his commitment towards partnering with the  Obuohia Obi-Ibere women for their well-being motivated him to attract projects such as the rebuilding of the Obuohia cottage hospital, which have saved pregnant women the trauma and risk of accessing health facilities about 5 kilometers away during labor and child-birth


He further reminded them that the Agro-processing plant he sited in the community was with the intent of creating meaningful socio-economic  opportunities for women and youths.


“Of all the things I have attracted to Obuohia, the market stalls and the adjacent borehole are perhaps the closest to my heart. It is so because it was a direct request from our mothers and wives to have such a structure for posterity. These and more have been achieved” he declared, affirming that better days are ahead.


The second-term lawmaker who have been embroiled in a heart wrenching struggle to retrieve his stolen Senatorial ticket shared his pains and political travails with the women and sought for their prayers: “You may have heard that I contested and won the APC Senatorial Primary election. Unfortunately, some people who did not even buy forms for senatorial elections, nor participate in the primaries now feel they can use money, influence and lies to reap where they did not sow. They are traversing the entire cities in Nigeria, hoping to buy the senate ticket that I won through a democratic process. This matter is now before a Federal High Court, and calls for your sustained prayers until victory is mine”

He summed up by appreciating  the Obuohia Development Union (Federated and Home) for their visionary leadership; And the youths for their love and support.


Sam Eke

The  Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union (ODU) Executive, led by its National Chairman Chief Sam Eke, PhD was present to solidarise with their wives and mothers

Eminent personalities, including Hon. Ikechukwu Owobe (the immediate past APC Zonal Chairman); Prince Henry Eleogu (the former Secretary of Ikwuano LGA); Chief (Mrs Ego Nwanmuo - former Education Secretary); Dr. Imeremba; Chukwuemeka Uchegbu; George Ofor and Evangelist Salome Isikaku and several others graced the event