By Our Correspondent
History was made on Sunday, April 5, by women of Umuezedeke kindred, Ifite Ogbeaduji, Ebenesi Nnobi in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, as the women became the first group to launch uniform in the community.
The event, which took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church field, Nnobi, was graced by the traditional ruler, illustrious sons and daughters of Nnobi town.
In her welcome address, the Chairlady Iyom Umuezedeke, Hon. (Mrs) Chinelo Okoye (Ada Jesus); said that the event was put together to launch their special uniform and to honour special dignitaries.
Ada Jesus, in the address signed by herself and chairperson planning committee, Mrs Kelechi Okonkwo (Ojinwayo); described the group as a coming together of women married into a noble kindred of Umuezedeke – an association born out of the need to be each other’s keeper in order to foster a family strongly rooted in love, unity and integrity.
She said they were not only celebrating their new uniform, but also celebrating unity, pride, and special identify that will remind them to stand out with confidence, discipline and excellence everywhere they go.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of Umuezedeke kindred, Engr Maris Chukwudi Ogbuefi, said that the purpose of the outing was to promote unity and sense of oneness among all the women married into the kindred. He assured the women that their husbands will always support them in their efforts to be one indivisible people.
In her separate remark, the chairperson of the organizing committee of the event, Mrs Kelechi Okonkwo (Ojinwayo), said that the main purpose of the event is to showcase a special uniform, which will serve as symbol of identity for the women married into the kindred; so that the co-wives will always stand out in every occasion.
A major stakeholder among the women group, Barr (Mrs) Obianuju Ogbuefi, in her own remarks, recalled how she motivated her co-wives to come together and get group uniform, so that they will always look beautiful and unique in every occasion. She expressed joy and a sense of pride that what started like mere joke ended in colour and praise.
Chairman of Ifite Ogbeaduji, Comrade Stanley Uzuegbunam (Transformer), in his own remarks during the occasion, praised the women group, and said he is proud to associate with such women who make efforts to bring themselves together as one people. He also encouraged other women to emulate what Umuezedeke women have done for the betterment of the society. He promised that the leadership of the community will always support any women group that brings initiatives that brings pride for the community.
In his speech, Chief Ugochukwu Okpala, Nze Ugoaba I of Nnobi (Sewa Sewa), commended the women for making their husbands and their kindred proud by unifying themselves in a unique manner. He encouraged them to continue in such unity, adding that such unity will introduce peace, love and development.
Earlier in his opening remark, chairman of the occasion, Chief (Sir) Fabian Onwuatudo (Chinakweze Nnobi) said that their wives made them proud by organizing a platform that will give them sense of pride, respect and unity.
According to him, Umuezedeke women, being the first to put themselves together in that manner, means other women will always copy from them.
He encouraged them to continue in togetherness, so that they can always surmount whatever challenges that come their way.
Also in a special remark during the ceremony, chairlady Iyom Udokwe, Mrs Ezeji Uzoma (Ojiugo), expressed interest in what the Iyom Umuezedeke did, and asked other women groups to emulate them.
The special occasion also featured awards presentation to dignitaries from different parts of the community. The award recipients include: traditional ruler of Nnobi, Igwe Engr. Nick Obi (Omenyili) of Nnobi; High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Idemili) and his wife, Dr. Thelma Ezeonu; Hon.(Mrs) Amaka Obi (Iyom); Hon. (Mrs) Ifeyinwa Nnekwelugo (Nnobi community women leader); Comrade Stanley Izuegbu, Hon. Chukwudi Okonkwo (Eziafakaego), among others.
Speaking after receiving his award from the women group, Igwe Nick Obi praised the women for their courage in putting the occasion together. He asked them, as co-wives, to ensure that their minds are one in everything they do.
Also speaking after receiving her award, the community’s women leader, Hon. lady Ifeyinwa Nnekwelugo, who noted that women are very difficult to bring together, praised the leadership of Iyom Umuezedeke, and prayed that the occasion will mark the begining of many good things to come.
