The spirit of unity, empowerment, and cultural heritage was rekindled in Nkanu West Local Government Area on Saturday as the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Chairman of Nkanu West L.G.A., successfully hosted the 2025 August Meeting. The landmark gathering, themed “Women as Nation Builders”, drew women from across the 14 political wards of Nkanu West to the L.G.A Secretariat, Agbani, in what many described as a transformative and history-making event.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, First Lady of Enugu State, was ably represented by her Special Assistant on Special Duties, Barr. Mrs. Chidimma Egeonu, who conveyed the First Lady’s goodwill message. Barr. Egeonu commended the women of Nkanu West for their unrelenting support and applauded the convener of the program, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo, for her visionary leadership in organizing an impactful meeting that resonates with the ongoing efforts of the state government to uplift women and strengthen families at the grassroots. She described the event as “a clear testament that Nkanu West is on the right path in promoting empowerment and inclusive growth.”
In her keynote address, Hon. Mrs. Ogbodo delivered an inspiring speech that set the tone for the meeting, extolling the indispensable role of women as custodians of tradition, pillars of the family, and drivers of grassroots development. She noted that the annual August Meeting was not merely a cultural gathering but a movement designed to re-orient, mobilize, and empower women to take active roles in community building, political participation, and socio-economic advancement.
According to Mrs. Ogbodo, the theme of this year’s meeting, “Women as Nation Builders”, was both timely and profound, as it reflects the truth that women remain powerful agents of change in society. She recalled the remarkable vision of the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, describing her as “a beacon of hope for women across the state, who has created inclusive platforms for women to showcase their heritage, exchange knowledge, and receive the support needed to excel.”
Expressing her appreciation for the impact of the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Ogbodo stated:
“Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, embodies grace, vision, and unwavering commitment to women’s development in Enugu State. Through her initiatives, women from all walks of life have found their voices and platforms to thrive. She has rekindled the belief that women are not just companions to leadership but partners in building societies and nurturing generations. Her inclusive leadership is a call for all of us to rise, build, and contribute our quota in shaping a better Enugu State. She is indeed a mother of mothers and a shining inspiration to us all.”
As part of her empowerment initiative, Mrs. Ogbodo distributed packages to over 20 beneficiaries per ward across the 14 wards of Nkanu West, including bags of rice, beans, clothing materials, and cash support. These interventions, she explained, were aimed at supporting indigent women to establish and grow small-scale businesses, thereby enhancing their financial independence and contributing to household stability.
Reflecting on the significance of the August Meeting, Mrs. Ogbodo urged women to see themselves as active partners in governance, agriculture, entrepreneurship, culture, and social welfare. She prayed that the momentum of the celebration would not end with the gathering, but rather inspire a sustained movement that would bear fruit in communities and transform lives.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West L.G.A., Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, lauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the First Lady for their visionary leadership and people-oriented programs, which have continued to bring development and empowerment closer to the grassroots. He noted that Nkanu West has been a proud beneficiary of the administration’s policies and pledged continued support for their transformative agenda.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries including Engr. Friday Nnam, Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West L.G.A; Barr. Chidiebere B.C. Ani, Chief of Staff of the Council; High Chief Oz Nwobodo Agbo, Chief Security Officer of Nkanu West; HRH Igwe Okechukwu Egbune, as well as political leaders, community representatives, and stakeholders across the wards.
The 2025 Nkanu West August Meeting not only underscored the enduring relevance of women in shaping society but also reaffirmed the commitment of the council’s leadership to grassroots empowerment, sustainable development, and inclusive governance. It ended with a resounding call for unity, resilience, and continued support for women as indispensable builders of the nation.
