By Uzo Ugwunze
The Community Women Leader CWL/ President General Ojoto Akanasato Women (Inyom Ojoto), Hon Mrs Anthonia Okonkwo has called for peace, unity and forgiveness for one another as veritable virtues that would engender progress and development in Ojoto community, Idemili South Local Government Area ( ISLGA), Anambra State.
Speaking during the 2026 August Women’s meeting which held on August 1, 2026 at Ojoto Town Hall, the Outgoing CWL, Mrs Okonkwo tasked Ojoto women to bear one another’s burden, embrace peace and Live together in love.
“Do not allow the cord of love which God used to bind us together to break. Let the Light kindled inside us by God not go out rather let it glow. Do not withhold any knowledge that will foster peace among us even if you are a young wife or new member of Inyom Ojoto.
“I urge all those who I offended in the cause of carrying out my duties to forgive me because the Bible says that in the multitude of words wanteth not sin. Before all, I seek your forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I forgive all who offended me in Jesus name. We are all Ojoto people,” pleaded Mrs Okonkwo.
Moreover, she encouraged all the women to support the incoming Inyom Ojoto Akanasato administration led by the Immediate Past Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo saying that the outgoing Exco would not relent in offering their experience whenever it was needed.
Presenting her farewell address, Mrs Anthonia Okonkwo who was flanked by the Vice President, Mrs. Susanna Ezekwelu (Ezigbo Nwanyi) and the General Secretary, Mrs Ifeoma Agwuncha recalled that despite inheriting less than #25,000 from the association’s purse in 2022, God helped them to achieve some milestones and leave some funds in the association’s coffers.
“We gave financial empowerment to 12 indigent women from the 12 splinter villages that make up Ojoto Akanasato to enable them start up small businesses. We reviewed and produced an official constitution to guide the affairs of Ojoto Akanasato Women.
“We also embarked on visitation to our bedridden sick members to assist them with funds to offset hospital bills, procure food and drugs for treatment. We purchased and installed two industrial Cassava foo foo Processing/Pounding machine for Ojoto uno and Ojoto Oboofia women.
“We made sure that we did not miss any of our entitlements, slots or democracy dividends both from the LGA or Awka Capital Territory. In fact, we, Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing, are not owing any debt even as we prepare to hand over to a new executive on August 22, 2026,” Mrs Okonkwo stated.
Moreover, the Incoming Community Women Leader/President General of Ojoto Akanasato Women, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo (Ugosimba) called for prayers, unity and selfless service urging Inyom Ojoto Akanasato to support the new leadership which would be an all inclusive, transparent and robust leadership.
“The Bible says that women are home builders. We are here to build our homes and community. Be the successful woman behind your Husband. We are here to work collectively, empower more women and youths and make our community a desirable hometown,” said Dr Nwafulugo.
The Mayor of Idemili South, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata) discouraged the women from being a bad example of motherhood. “Desist from Immoral and lazy lifestyle because your children are watching you. Discourage your children from get rich quick syndrome. Stop pressurizing them to be like other people who flaunt wealth gotten from suspicious sources. There are many skills you as a mother and your child can acquire to make a honest living”.
Also, the ISLGA Women Development Officer, Lady Oby Nwosu and Ms Oby Ugwumba ( Head, Social Welfare Unit) advised women to always report cases of Gender Based Violence, child molestation and abuse of child rights urging them not to die in silence “If you see something, say something”.
High Chief Romanus Anyisia (Ichie Obododike) who represented His Majesty, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Oranyelu III of Ojoto) pleaded with Ojoto Akanasato Women to stop comparison, destroying other people’s marriages, hatred and strife saying that they should rather raise their children in the fear of God, ensure that their children avoid quick money, embrace education, skill acquisition, trading, Christianity to enable them become useful and prominent in the society.
A Special Guest, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Irene Awuzie who was also represented by her PA, Demcute Nnoruka, the daughter of the Outgoing General Secretary, Mrs Ifeoma Agwuncha, advised Ojoto Akanasato Women to embrace peace with unity and become ambassadors of peace worthy of emulation.
However, The All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA party Mayorial candidate for Idemili South LGA, Hon Oluchukwu Ilogbenu (Olutek) sought the support of Ojoto Akanasato women in the forthcoming LG. elections assuring them that he would run an inclusive government which would benefit women and youths maximally.
Hon Ilogbenu said that he was going to follow the footsteps of His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo (Oluatuegwu) of Anambra State and the workaholic outgoing Mayor of Idemili South, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi towards ensuring that more developmental projects and programmes reach the grassroot.
Other Guests in attendance or ably represented in the August Women’s meeting include House of Assembly Member /APGA candidate for Idemili South, Barr Ebuka Igwe (Ugosinachi Idemili), APGA Candidate for
House of Representative Idemili North & South Constituency, Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu(Ike Cubana), Delegates of the ZLP Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, Princess Barrister Helen Mbakwe, The Ancient Tiger who represented High Chief Frank Emmanuel Okafor (Igwulube Idemili North and South), Delegates of NDC Candidate for Idemili North & South Federal Constituency, Engr Eric Anyamene. Moreso, all the Community Women Leaders from the seven communities that make up Idemili South LGA were in attendance to support their colleague Hon Mrs Anthonia Okonkwo as she held her final August Women’s meeting as the Ojoto Akanasato Women President General.
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