Group Inaugurates Women and Girl Child Rights Advocates in Anambra
By Gabriel Chy Alonta
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Africa Women Summit, a non-governmental organization, inaugurated the Anambra State Chapter of its Africa Women Summit (AWS) and Girl Child Summit (GCS) wings, calling for an urgent advancement of the rights of women and the girl child in the state and beyond.
The inauguration, themed “Unleashing the Power of African Women and the Girl Child, Breaking Barriers and Achieving Greatness,” took place in Awka and was attended by prominent women leaders, government officials, and academicians.
At the ceremony, the Country President of Africa Women Summit, Mrs. Kenechukwu Umegwuagu, underscored the remarkable achievements of AWS in Nigeria and across Africa. She reminded the assembled women of their God-given powers to drive change and urged the newly inducted members to disseminate the AWS vision throughout every corner of the state.
Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the event theme as both timely and monumental. She emphasized the need for women to support one another and to take on leadership roles, while also calling for heightened vigilance in protecting the girl child, an endangered resource in today’s society. Dr. Nwadinobi decried the rising cases of domestic violence against women and advocated for education and reorientation to empower young girls. She equally highlighted the state government’s efforts towards ensuring safe and conducive environment for both women and girl child.
In her keynote address, Hon. Dame Chinyere Mbakwe acknowledged that, despite formidable challenges such as cultural norms, limited educational access, gender-based violence, systemic inequality, and inadequate healthcare, women and girls possess immense potential. She stressed that educating a girl not only transforms her life but also uplifts her family, community, and the entire continent. Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, Anambra State Commissioner for Justice, reinforced the need to safeguard women’s rights, linking the deterioration of family values to broader societal issues.
Earlier, AWS Anambra State Coordinator, Dr. Ngozi Ebugosi, welcomed the guests and highlighted that women and girls are the fearless leaders and innovators of tomorrow, while Hon. Esther Onyekesi, APGA State Women Leader (represented by Dr. Ifeoma Ochiogu), emphasized the critical importance of educating and empowering the girl child to participate actively in politics, business, and community service.
The event also saw the inauguration of key AWS executives, including Mrs. Ifeoma Odada (Deputy State Coordinator), Dr. Obianuju Mokwelu (Secretary-General), Dr. Ajoku Edmonson (Treasurer), Dr. Sandra Onukwube (Financial Secretary), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Dioji (State Project Director 1), Dr. Nkeiruka Ugo-Ejike (Welfare Officer), Hon. Ifeyinwa Nkamigbo (PRO 1), Dr. Anulika Etele (Vice Coordinator Girl Child), Lady Obiageli Nnabugwu (PRO 2), Dr. Njideka Onyekwelu (Assistant Financial Secretary), and Lady Chioma Nnabugwu (Assistant Secretary).
The inauguration concluded on a high note with award presentations and an energetic dance performance by members of the Girl Child Summit, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
