The women apex group officially unveiled recently in Enugu State, Nigeria, with inauguration of the pioneer excos, press briefing, first assembly seating, interactive session and voter education was anchored on the 1995 Beijing Declaration on 35% Affirmative Action on women inclusion in governance which was was unanimously adopted by 189 countries as an agenda for women empowerment now considered the key global policy document on gender equality, a conference which marked a significant turning point for universal agenda.
It must be recalled that Nigeria after signing the Beijing Declaration Pact 25 years ago, adopted a national policy on thirty five percent affirmative action, proposing that all political parties must respect women's equal right to participate in governance and contribute to national growth and development.
It was in view of the above that AWGA in her first assembly seating advised all Anambra Women to unite and pursue a common purpose irrespective of political and religious differences in order to achieve sustainable development.
The world-class women gathering which witnessed the presence of all caliber of posh women delegates ushered in the event activities of AWGA which began with a heartwarming welcome address by the pioneer Global Vice President, Chief Mrs Ujunwa Lilian Chinweze. Her welcome Adress read in part;
"Good Afternoon great and noble Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA).
I am pleased to welcome all and sundry to this important occasion, especially those of you that have been with us from the inception of this tasking journey. I sincerely salute the courage of our new members whose presence has helped to boost this Assembly. Today marks the annual General Assembly and the official unveiling of AWGA and we are proud that we are alive and healthy to be part of it. The journey for the formation of this organisation has been a tedious one. It has taken several years of planning and prayers. God in his infinite mercies and wisdom has made it come to reality and we are grateful to him. There is power is more power in and strength in unity. We strongly believe that we will achieve more staying together and that why this organisation is thought out."
Chief Mrs Chinweze went further to appreciate the founder and global president of AWGA, Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, the entire executives of AWGA and all the women who contributed in one way or the other, for without them, the formation of the Assembly won't have been possible.
The INEC HOD, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Achumie Chuks, took the participants through a very interesting interactive session on electoral education which unravelled many critical questions bothering on voter-apathy, the power of PVC, Election Rigging, the dichotomy of BVAS and the defunct Card Reader System, Disenfranchisement, Manual Accreditation, Electronic Transmission of Results, Electoral Constitutional Provisions.
Mr Achmie Chuks time to disect the 4 statges of Transmission of Results while answering all questions coming up from the audience. He concluded by advising every citizens of Nigeria to acquire PVC as their votes now count more than ever.
In her word of exaltation, Dr. Mrs Nonye Obianuko eulogised the women for coming up with wonderful ideas as such. While citing different bible passages, she stressed on the need for contentment as wealth or life achievement cannot give rest. Her message revolved around the insatiable nature of human, the emptiness of life and it's vanity in totality. She encouraged the women to hold firm unto God who remains the author and finisher our faith. Itemising the importance of women in our society, Dr. Obianuko charged Anambra Women to take up responsibilities of roles in their respective homes and in the Nigerian Society at large.
The Inaugural Speech Of the Global President Of Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA), Her Excellency, Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, was characterised by a passionate call on women both in Nigeria and Diaspora to join forces and pursue an egalitarian society/all-inclusive, devoid of any form marginalisation of non-indigenes or women. Her Inaugural Speech in part;
"Good afternoon Ndi Nwe m, first and foremost, I would love to appreciate the almighty God for making this event possible, we cannot thank him enough for taking us through the process to this very stage. To him be all the glory, all honor and adoration. I must say that I am blessed standing before great minds like you all, not just as the president, but as a part of this most prestigious and admirable organisation. I must sincerely appreciate my lovely husband who has been a strong pillar, a mentor and greatest supporter, Engr. Chidi Nweke, if not for him, i won't be here, and my dear parents, mum and dad who molded me into the woman that I have become. I won't commence without recognising the immense contributions of the host of today's event, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, to what we are doing today. His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his amiable wife Her Excellency, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi my second parents who adopted me as their daughter and groomed me with love of Christ.
My fellow Great Anambra Women, all the media representatives, ladies and gentlemen, other protocols observed.
We the Anambra Women General Assembly are women born in Anambra State or married to Anambra State, Nigeria. Being born in Anambra State, we may have been married to any other states in Nigeria or beyond. We have decided to come together because we feel there's a need to protect Anambra Women, preserve our cultural heritage and deepen unity among us as we feel that we owe that responsibility to Anambra State and to great Igbo Nation in general. We feel that our coming together will make our voice to be stronger and louder. It will give us sense of belonging anywhere we are and will also propagate our culture which distinguishes Anambra Women from other parts of the world. Anambra Women General Assembly is a socio-political group borne out of the need to foster unity among us. Today's inauguration will officially project our long craving desire to contribute to the development and growth of our dear state. Our women scattered all over the nation have been excluded in the scheme of things and this is unfair and unjust and a denial of sense of belonging. Our Slogan shall remain "Total Inclusiveness For All". Going forward, we shall pursue an Anambra State that is peaceful, united, progressive and coexist in other states.
I wish to thank everyone who has been following up on today's event through online channels from other parts of Nigeria, both in the UK, US, Canada, China and other parts of the world. Once again, we appreciate the host State, Enugu State for the accommodating spirit".
In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary of AWGA, Barr. Mrs Sylvia Abanah appreciated the efforts of the president and the fellow members of AWGA. She emphasised on the need for awareness among women on the concept of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which applies to both male and female gender. She gave detailed enlightenment on GBV key topics such as; Laws on GBV, Physical violence, Verbal violence, Psychological violence, Sexual violence, Socio-economic violence, Domestic violence or in intimate relationships, Harassment and sexual harassment, etc, while Enugu State Chapter Coordinator of AWGA, Mrs Ikeobi Patience encouraged the women to keep up the good work, energy and consistency, her Anambra State colleague, *Mrs Nwobi Uchenna Linda* in the other hand, concluded with words of admonitions and vote of thanks on behalf of the group.
The Inaugural event graciously ended with a visit to HRM Igwe Nevobasi, the Ogilishi Igbo, Omeluenyi 1 of Agunnese, Ezeani II of Nmaku Kingdom, Enugu State.
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