…As Lady Calister Onovo, President General of the Umuode Women August Conference 2023 (Home & Abroad), announces the construction of the Umuode Women Multi-Purpose Hall as a groundbreaking project during the 2023 August Women Conference.
Umuode, Enugu Nigeria – Umuode Women August Conference, held from Tuesday, August 22 to Sunday, August 27, 2023, was an eagerly awaited event that built upon the esteemed tradition of the annual August Meeting for Igbo women in the Eastern part of Nigeria. This conference served as a platform to encourage empowerment, reorientation, and mobilization for community building.
By focusing on harnessing the collective strength of the Umuode women, the conference aimed to inspire positive change and social progress. Throughout the event, attendees participated in thought-provoking discussions, engaged in interactive workshops, and impactful initiatives, all contributing to the advancement of Umuode. It was a transformative experience that brought women together to share ideas and establish a foundation for future collaborative efforts.
Umuode, an agrarian model community with an estimated population of about 7 thousand according to statistics is located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State Nigeria.
In a highly-anticipated keynote speech at the climax of the Umuode Women August Conference held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, esteemed guest and renowned patron of the association, Professor Bart Nnaji, captivated the audience with his inspiring words. Professor Nnaji, the visionary founder and Chairman of the Geometric Power Group, the first wholly privately owned electric power company in Nigeria without sovereign guarantee, commended the women for their unwavering commitment to community development and the welfare of one another. He specifically praised their ambitious endeavor to construct a state-of-the-art Umuode Women’s Multi-purpose Hall—a project that symbolizes their determination to create a space where empowerment and progress can thrive.
As a former minister of power, Professor Nnaji’s presence carried significant weight, and his words resonated deeply amongst the attendees. With eloquence and passion, he urged the women to persist in their endeavors, emphasizing the vital importance of their collective efforts. Highlighting the transformative potential of such projects, he affirmed that the Umuode Women’s Multi-purpose Hall would not only serve as a physical representation of their unity but also as a catalyst for positive change within the community. Encouraging them to persevere, Professor Nnaji implored the women to continue their outstanding work, as their dedication and resilience would undoubtedly yield remarkable results.
The Umuode Women August Conference came alive as Professor Nnaji’s presence infused a sense of motivation and drive throughout the event. His words served as a rallying cry for the women, reminding them of the power they hold when they come together to uplift one another and work towards a better future. With the distinguished professor’s endorsement and encouragement, the women were inspired to push forward, invigorated by the belief that their endeavors would ultimately lead to a stronger, more prosperous community.
In his opening address, Honourable Justice Anthony Onovo, chairman of the occasion, called for generous support to help the women realize their development plans, particularly focusing on the construction of a new women multipurpose hall. Justice Onovo expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests for their attendance and unwavering support. He applauded the women for their remarkable efforts and urged the audience to join him in empowering and promoting their growth. Highlighting the importance of collective action, he appealed for generous contributions to make a resounding statement of solidarity and support.
The chairman’s passionate appeal emphasized the significance of empowering Umuode women in achieving their aspirations. Recognizing their tireless dedication, Justice Onovo called for unity in supporting the women’s development plans, specifically emphasizing their need for a new hall. He encouraged the audience to contribute generously, recognizing that their “support would not only help these women but also contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of society”. By rallying behind this cause, the chairman believed a brighter future could be created for all members of the community.
The Traditional Ruler of Umuode community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Moses Idenyi, who graced the Women August Conference alongside other traditional rulers, with his presence, bestowed his esteemed royal blessing upon the gathering. With great humility, he encouraged the women to uphold and cherish their unity, recognizing the significant role it plays in fostering progress and harmony within the community.
Additionally, Igwe Idenyi commended the women for their remarkable achievement in resolving a longstanding dispute that had persisted for 28 years. “Through your unwavering commitment and dedication, you were able to bring about a peaceful resolution of a 28 years dispute between a couple in this community. This exemplary act not only showcases the strength of your unity but also demonstrates your ability to promote understanding and reconciliation within my community”, the royal father said.
At the event, the chief launcher, Honorable Professor Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isiuzo federal Constituency at the national assembly, delivered a remarkable speech. Expressing his admiration for the women’s innovative ideas in proposing various development projects including women multi-purpose hall, he commended their efforts and pledged his support.
Professor Nnamchi declared his commitment to advocate for a House of Representatives that would allocate funds for community development projects. He specifically acknowledged the women’s projects as exemplary, serving as a prototype for others to emulate. This announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the audience, as they realized the potential impact of such a motion on their own initiatives.
With unwavering determination, the chief launcher assured the women of his wholehearted support in their pursuit of progress and growth. His declaration served as a resounding testament to his dedication to their cause and demonstrated his deep belief in the potential of their development plans. The audience was inspired by his words, recognizing that their aspirations had garnered the attention and backing of a prominent representative at the national level.
Speaking earlier in a welcome address during the Umuode Women August Conference 2023, Lady Calister Onovo, the President General, announced the commencement of a groundbreaking project—the construction of the Umuode Women Multi-Purpose Hall. This represents an important step towards community development, showcasing the unity and dedication of the women of Umuode.
The conference fostered inclusivity and collaboration, with joint meetings held throughout the event to address the community’s challenges and develop comprehensive strategies. Notable achievements included measures to combat theft, improvements in the local school system, empowerment projects, acquisition of a cassava grinding machine, and the completion of a Skills Acquisition Centre. Additionally, a long-standing family dispute that had burdened the community for 28 years was resolved.
Building on these accomplishments, Lady Calister announced the decision to construct the Umuode Women Multi-Purpose Hall, supported by esteemed figures such as HRH Igwe Moses Idenyi, Prof. Bart Nnaji, and OsoDi Agatha Nnaji. This facility will serve as a symbol of strength and resourcefulness, benefiting the women and the wider community. She appealed to the invited guests to kindly donate generously to support them realise the project(s).
Embodying unity, strength, and a commitment to progress, the Umuode Women August Conference 2023 demonstrated the collective determination of the women of Umuode to create positive change and inspire future generations. The Umuode Women Multi-Purpose Hall marks a significant milestone in their ongoing quest for a brighter and more prosperous future.
In her remarks, Osodieme Agatha Nnaji, the patroness of the Umuode Women’s Welfare Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees for their presence and active participation. She extended her assurance that the success of this year’s conference would serve as a strong foundation to build upon in future editions, emphasizing the commitment to further empower, inspire, and uplift the women in their journey towards positive change and community development. With gratitude and determination, she vowed to seize upon the momentum generated during the conference, fostering continued growth and progress in the years to come.
During the Umuode Women August Conference 2023, two distinguished speakers imparted valuable knowledge and insights to the attendees. Dr. Mrs. Eze of Dewdrop Foundation delivered a talk on the prevention, causes, and treatment/management of diabetes, shedding light on this prevalent health concern. Additionally, Mrs. Joy Egbo delivered an informative session on cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection of this disease.
Dr. Mrs. Eze’s presentation provided attendees with valuable information on diabetes, focusing on preventive measures, the underlying causes, and possible treatment strategies. Her expertise and insights offered a comprehensive understanding of the disease, empowering the women of Umuode with the knowledge to safeguard their health and wellbeing.
Mrs. Joy Egbo’s talk centered around cervical cancer, a pervasive health issue affecting women globally. She emphasized the significance of regular screenings and highlighted the importance of early detection for successful outcomes. Mrs. Egbo’s session served as a crucial platform for raising awareness among the attendees, equipping them with vital knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones from this potentially life-threatening disease.
Mrs. Egbo highlighted the necessity for preventative measures against cervical cancer. She urged women to receive the HPV immunization, practice safe sex, limit the number of sexual partners, and adopt a healthy lifestyle consisting of a balanced diet and regular exercise. She also informed the attendees about the upcoming HPV immunization program in Enugu state, scheduled from September 25th to September 30th, 2023, encouraging all women to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine for optimal protection.
By featuring these esteemed speakers, the Umuode Women August Conference 2023 took a proactive approach towards women’s health, arming its participants with essential information regarding diabetes and cervical cancer. The presentations aimed to empower the women of Umuode through education, ensuring that they are well-informed and encouraged to prioritize their health.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Senator (Sir) Kelvin Chukwu represented by his wife, Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu, HRH Igwe Okechukwu Nwobodo Egbuna of Ogbeke na Ukuruta in Agbani, Nkanu West LGA, HRH Igwe Mike Ogbuchi of Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu East LGA, Hon. Raymond Ugwu, representing Enugu East Rural Constituency at Enugu State House of Assembly. Others are Reverend Fathers Paul Ikenna (who hails from Umuode) and Oliver Osunkwo (Assistant Parish Priest, St. Rita’s Umuode), Pastor David Okoro, the Umuode Council of Chiefs as well as the Umuode Girls Association.
The Umuode women dance group, “Onye aghana nwanne ya,” entertained the guests throughout the occasion.
As the conference drew to a close, the attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to seize the opportunities that lay ahead. The four-day event commenced on Tuesday, August 23, and culminated with a thanksgiving Mass at St. Rita’s Parish Umuode.
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