NGOR OKPALA AUGUST MEETING GRAND FINALE: COUNCIL BOSS CHIEF MRS. CHIKA IBEKWE URGES WOMEN ON HARDWORK, AGRICULTURE, AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
By Kelechi Ugo
The 2025 Ngor Okpala Women August Meeting Grand Finale held on Tuesday at the Council Headquarters in Umuneke ended in grandeur as the Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, charged women to embrace diligence, hard work, and a life of purpose.
Speaking on the event’s theme “Umunwanyi Oru Ukwu – Women of Great Deeds,” Chief Mrs. Ibekwe emphasized the need for women to take up agriculture as a pathway to food security and sustainable development. She encouraged them to remain pillars of their communities through honorable and exemplary conduct.
The council boss also used the opportunity to call on mothers and guardians to ensure that their children who have turned 18 and above participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration and Revalidation Exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While addressing the gathering, Hon. Ibekwe lauded the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his developmental strides across the state, describing them as transformative. She highlighted Ngor Okpala’s inclusion in key initiatives of the Shared Prosperity Administration, particularly the 1,000 Persons Per Ward Empowerment Program, which she noted has greatly impacted the socioeconomic lives of residents.
The Chairman also praised the efforts of the Governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, for her unwavering support towards women empowerment. According to her, the First Lady’s programs have elevated women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and family stability across the state.
In a message delivered on behalf of the First Lady, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Hon. Mrs. Nkechiyere Ugwu, commended the grand finale as the most impressive August Meeting celebration in the state. She announced that a new round of empowerment initiatives aimed at boosting women-led businesses and easing family burdens would soon be launched.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Chief Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, emphasized the importance of sustained support for the Uzodimma administration. He noted that Ngor Okpala has benefitted immensely, producing four commissioners and witnessing significant infrastructural development under the current government.
Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner representing Owerri Zone at ISOPADEC, High Chief Val Okere (Amadioha Ngor Okpala), urged women to maintain a positive mindset and commended Chief Mrs. Ibekwe for her leadership and unifying spirit, noting her historic role as the first female Executive Chairman of the LGA.
On a spiritual note, His Lordship, Mrs. Chinaemerem Onuegbu, encouraged the women to uphold strong family values, prioritize girl-child education, and promote unity in their communities, asserting that women remain indispensable to national growth and development.
A key highlight of the event was the heartfelt expression of appreciation by the women of Ngor Okpala to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his visible impact in the LGA and across Imo State.
The grand finale was graced by dignitaries including the Vice Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA, Hon. Kizito Onuoha, APC leaders, Traditional Rulers led by HRH Eze (Engr.) Sir Frederick Ogechi Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Basil Anyanwu, Deputy Chairman, alongside serving Councillors, Supervisors, Security Chiefs, notable sons and daughters of the LGA, and staff of the Council.
