Dr. Nkiruka Uche-Nwidagu Takes Helm as MWAN Ebonyi’s 12th President
..Unveils Vision for Stronger Women and Children’s Healthcare
Nkechinyere Ewa
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, on Friday installed Dr. Nkiruka Bridget Uche-Nwidagu as its 12th president in a vibrant ceremony held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki.
The event attracted leading medical practitioners, government officials and development partners, including the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma.
In her valedictory speech, the immediate past president Dr. Lilian Nwobashi expressed profound gratitude to MWAN members, describing the chapter’s achievements as the product of unity and collective commitment.
She outlined key milestones under her administration, including statewide schistosomiasis campaigns executed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, as well as intensive radio and television sensitization programmes.
According to her, MWAN Ebonyi distributed over 3,000 personal hygiene packs to schoolgirls and more than 400 dignity kits to survivors of gender-based violence. The association also conducted multiple screening exercises for cervical and prostate cancer, hepatitis B and C, hypertension, obesity and breast cancer, alongside practical self-breast examination training.
Dr. Nwobashi noted that the chapter produced 82 radio programmes and 28 television broadcasts, all targeted at improving public health awareness.
She further celebrated the historic hosting of MWAN’s national secretariat in Ebonyi State for the first time.
In her acceptance speech, newly inaugurated president Dr. Nkiruka Uche-Nwidagu described her emergence as both a privilege and a divine calling.
She pledged to lead with integrity, ethical leadership and excellence, while advancing the association's vision for improved community health.
She unveiled the event’s theme: “Empowering Community Health: Transforming Women and Children’s Well-Being Through Ethical Leadership,” and the sub-theme: “One MWAN, One Vision; Empowering Communities, Uplifting Women and Children, Advancing Ethical Leadership.”
Dr. Uche-Nwidagu said the theme reflects MWAN's renewed commitment to being a transformational force, promising deeper collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, donor groups and community-based organisations to expand MWAN’s outreach across the state.
Earlier, Dr. Maria-Lauretta Orji delivered a lecture emphasizing ethical leadership as the key driver of strengthened community healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Outstanding personalities were honoured for their contributions to community health, including Prof. Uzoamaka Vivian Muoneke, Arc. Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, Rt. Hon. Anayo Edwin Nwonu, Deaconess Nweze Chinwe Irene, and Chizoba Nwancho, Esq.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages from members and friends of the association, among them the CMD of AEFUTHA, Prof. Uzoma MaryRose Agwu, and the husband of the new president, Barr. Uchenna Nwidagu, who promised full support for the new administration.
In her goodwill message, Nkechinyere Oginyi, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State chapter, commended Dr. Nwobashi for building strong partnerships with women journalists during her tenure.
She congratulated the newly installed President Dr.Nkiruka Bridget Uche-Nwidagu’s leadership, passion and dedication to quality healthcareespecially maternal health and pledged sustained collaboration between NAWOJ and MWAN Ebonyi for a more impactful future.
