By Regina Igwebuike
The Obizi Women Awka South II Constituency in conjunction with Soludo Ladies of Purpose, celebrate Maiden Cultural Carnival, inauguration cum empowerment in grand style.
The epoch-making event, which took place on October 4 at Central School field, Amawbia had in attendance the presence of the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa; Hon. Chinedu Nwoye “Glamour” Chief Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor Soludo; Hon. Prince Chinedu Okafor Mayor, Awka South LGA; Barr. Chukwuma Lawrence , APGA Chairman, Awka South; Hon. Felicia Okika, SSA Political Mobilization; Ward chairmen Awka South, others.
Addressing Obizi women, the Anambra State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the Obizi Women Cultural Carnival and Empowerment Programme.
Rt. Hon. Okoye gave no fewer than 40 individuals N50,000 each to support their businesses, with a promise of more empowerment opportunities to come.
He promised that the carnival will be an annual event, rotating between Obizi towns, and will take place in October, urging the women to support APGA in the upcoming election, even as he encouraged them to register as APGA members and obtain party IDs.
According to him, a monitoring unit and women’s squad will be established, with two “keke” (tricycle) units to be donated to support the women’s squad’s activities.
The deputy speaker emphasized the importance of standing firm with APGA and promised to remove anyone who slacks.
Hon. Nwoye, the Chief Protocol Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, expressed confidence in Governor Soludo’s re-election bid, citing his achievements and leadership qualities as reasons why Ndi Anambra should vote for him in the November 8 Gubernatorial election.
“I’m grateful for the Soludo Ladies of Purpose and the Obizi women for organizing this gathering. Under APGA, we have a good life, and I believe everyone can see the impact of Prof. Soludo’s leadership. I want to commend you all for your faithfulness and consistency to APGA. Thank you for standing strong with the party,” Glamour said.
Other APGA stakeholders who spoke at the event, commended Queen Lady Ekwunife for organizing such a wonderful event. They commended Obizi women for participating fully in the carnival, urging them to vote in Governor Soludo for second term come November 8 for a prosperous, liveable Anambra.
Lolo Chiugo Okoye, Osodieme 1 of Awka South, was honored with the Award of Amazon for her selfless service to humanity and women of Awka South II constituency. Her husband, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, received the award on her behalf.
Other awardees include Chief Boniface Egbutu, Chairman of the occasion, and Iyom Amaka Obi of Idemili South.
The convener of the carnival and founder of Obizi Women Association, Queen Lady Ekwunife, said that she was highly excited for the successful event.
“I’m thankful to Rt. Hon. Pius Chukwuma Okoye , the Deputy Speaker of Anambra State for making this event a success. I commend the Obizi women both executives and community women leaders and APGA stalwarts for going all the way out to support us, praying God to bless them.
She said that Obizi Women Association in Awka South was formed by her to empower women by providing support, skills training, and resources to empower women in the community, enhancing their economic and social well-being; a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their personal and professional lives.
Mrs. Josephine Uzokwe of Umuanwulu and Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke of Mbaukwu expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries of the Deputy Speaker’s empowerment program. They described the Deputy Speaker as a man of large heart and prayed that God would bless and prosper him abundantly, fulfilling his political aspirations and rewarding his generosity.
The event featured among other things Lolo competition and cultural parade in which Lolo Amawbia, Hon. Nwamaka Onwuzuligbo clinched Ist; Lolo Nise, Mrs Ogochukwu Oraebuka- 2nd while Lolo Umuawulu, Mrs Chizoba Okoli came 3rd.
For Cultural parade : Amawbia came Ist; Nise- 2nd; Ezinato- third.
The event also served as a platform for APGA stakeholders to rally support for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid, with attendees expressing gratitude for his leadership and promising to stand firm with the party.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
