…Umeh, Aguata Mayor, Nwakpadolu Umenzekwe, Others Honoured
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu and Emmanuel Chigozie
A former Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Anambra State, and erstwhile Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), IVM Dr Cordelia Ego Uzoezie, has been installed as the 38th Chairman of Inner Wheel Nigeria, District 914 in a grand style.
The lively installation ceremony that took place in Awka had people from all walks of life in attendance, including the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi; the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sir. Victor Umeh; the former Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; the Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Sir Paul Chukwuma; the Mayor of Aguata, Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike; among others.
Speaking shortly after taking over the mantle of leadership, former Life Member, President and former Director of Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO), Awka Diocese, IVM Dr Ego Uzoezie, said they required over N30m to prosecute some of the projects already mapped out for the year.
She said they were going to visit a rehabilitation centre or school and provide wheel chairs, learning tools and other necessities; visit old people’s home and orphanages, offer educational support by paying WAEC fees for select indigent students, among other things
She lamented the abject poverty ravaging society, stating that the association would tackle the issue of gender based and domestic violence and fight preventable diseases like cervical cancer in society.
The Chairman noted that they had equally marshalled out plans to empower indigent women and youths with entrepreneurship training, skills acquisition, and other forms of support for self-reliance and self-sustenance
‘We have concluded arrangements to support the aged, the homeless, and the forgotten in society.
The incumbent Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu, delivered the keynote address at the official installation of Chief Dr. Ego Uzoezie (Ugo Eji Ejemba Igboukwu) as District Chairman of the International Women’s Movement (IWM).
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Anyadiegwu said the installation ceremony marked a fitting recognition of Chief Dr. Uzoezie, whom she described as a visionary educationist, women’s advocate, and former Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, saying that her tireless contributions to community development and nation-building continued to inspire generations.
Dr. Anyadiegwu paid a glowing tribute to the honoree, describing her as a beacon of resilience, a pathfinder in education, and a symbol of empowered womanhood.
She lauded the International Women’s Movement for entrusting leadership to a woman of proven integrity and emphasized the significance of intergenerational mentorship among women in leadership.
She also urged participants to embrace the ethos of purpose-driven leadership, inclusive governance, and community-focused service principles consistently modelled by Chief Dr. Uzoezie throughout her illustrious career.
The event was more than a celebration of a past Provost – it was a proud reaffirmation of the enduring leadership, influence, and relevance of Nwafor Orizu College of Education on both regional and national stages.
Fides gathered that Inner Wheel is an International Association of wives and direct relations of Rotarians united in the ideals of service. It is a worldwide organization that is entirely philanthropic in nature and prides itself in its service to the less privileged and society at large.
The installation ceremony cum induction of District Officers had “Leadership with Purpose: Stepping Up to Inspire Change”, as its theme.
About 10 prominent Nigerians; the Senator, representing Anambra Central, Chief Sir Victor Umeh; the Mayor of Aguata, Prince Dr Chibueze Ofobuike; the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Hon. Ify Obinabo; ASUBEB boss, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi; Chief J.C. Nwakpadolu; Pharm. Dr Emman Ude Akpeh; Barr. Sir J.B.C. Obikwelu; Hon. Chief Modestus Umenzekwe; Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Professor Theresa Obumnene Okoli; were honoured by the Inner Wheel Nigeria, IWN.