…A Trailblazing Leader Whose Life of Service Inspires Generations Across Nigeria and Beyond
Enugu State is aglow with celebration as Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, the distinguished Member IV of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, marks her birthday in a grand and reflective style. This year’s celebration carries a profound symbolism, as her special day coincides with the International Day of Peace, a fitting alignment for a woman whose life is a living testimony of peace-building, humanitarian service, and tireless advocacy for social justice.
The birthday of Ambassador Nweke is not merely an occasion of festivity but a moment of deep reflection on an extraordinary journey of service to humanity. A renowned water resources expert, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) advocate, and social justice crusader, she has over the years become a formidable force in the fight for equitable access to water, sanitation, education, and human rights. Her life embodies the virtues of integrity, compassion, and fearless leadership, qualities that have placed her among Nigeria’s most respected women leaders and earned her global recognition.
Speaking during her birthday celebration, which doubles as a peace dialogue in honor of the United Nations’ 1999 declaration on the “Culture of Peace,” Ambassador Nweke reminded the world that peace is more than the absence of conflict, it is an active, dynamic process requiring dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. In her inspiring message, she called on citizens across the globe to build peace in their daily lives, stating:
“The time to build peace in the minds of men and women is now, more than ever, as tensions and conflicts rise globally. We must look to each other’s humanity, choose cooperation over confrontation, and inspire the next generation to foster a culture of peace.”
Her birthday celebrations, spanning several days, reflect this unwavering commitment to humanitarian impact. On September 19, 2024, in a pre-birthday outreach, she visited a local school to educate students on menstrual hygiene management, handwashing, and the fight against open defecation, while donating sanitary pads to empower young girls. On September 21, 2024, her actual birthday, she hosted family, friends, and well-wishers for a reflective peace dialogue, blending celebration with purposeful advocacy. On September 22, 2024, she led a praise and worship session followed by a charity outreach to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring inclusivity and compassion for all. The festivities will conclude on September 29, 2024, with a special Thanksgiving Service to God Almighty for His unfailing guidance and blessings.
Ambassador Nweke’s professional footprint spans local, national, and international spheres. As a member of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, she plays a vital role in shaping policies and practices that strengthen governance and service delivery. Beyond her government role, she is the Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Executive Coordinator of the Network of Water Rights Initiative, where she leads groundbreaking campaigns for water rights and sustainable resource management.
Her achievements include leading the internationally recognized “Claim Your Water Rights” campaign in partnership with End Water Poverty UK, which has improved public awareness and access to clean water. Through her advocacy, she played a pivotal role in the passage of a landmark Water Law in Enugu State, safeguarding the state’s water resources for future generations. She also led a transformative effort to evacuate a decade-old dumpsite that posed serious health hazards to a primary health center in Obeagu Community, promoting sustainable waste management.
Her impact extends beyond water rights to gender-based violence prevention, anti-corruption campaigns, and youth mentorship. Through her “Save the Young Against Corruption Campaign,” she mentors young people on ethical leadership while assisting victims of abuse in their pursuit of justice.
Ambassador Nweke’s work has taken her to global platforms across Ethiopia, Senegal, Russia, Rwanda, and Indonesia, where she has represented Nigeria and shared her expertise on water rights, gender advocacy, and social justice. Her international engagements have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Water Warrior Award by Water Witness for her fight against water scarcity, the Blue Community Endorsement by the Council of Canadians for promoting water conservation, and numerous humanitarian and leadership awards for her outstanding service to society.
A passionate educator and mentor, Ambassador Nweke has empowered countless women, girls, and youths through skill acquisition programs, literacy campaigns, and educational initiatives. Her leadership style, characterized by inclusivity, integrity, and empathy, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. She is the founder of WOSCONET, the Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA), and the Amaka Nweke Foundation, platforms through which she drives gender equality, social justice, and community development. Her numerous leadership roles including service on critical panels and committees at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu reflect her commitment to ethical governance and institutional reform.
As Enugu and the world celebrate Ambassador Nweke on this auspicious occasion, her life stands as a beacon of hope, service, and transformation. Her dedication to peace-building, water rights, gender advocacy, and humanitarian service is not only uplifting lives but also shaping policies and inspiring a global movement toward justice and sustainability.
In her words of parting inspiration, she urged:
“Let us not wait for peace to find us. Let us build it, nurture it, and live it every day.”
On this remarkable birthday, Enugu honors Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP—a woman of vision, a tireless advocate for the voiceless, and a true Amazon of public service whose legacy will continue to resonate across generations.
