_...Calls For Sustained Inclusive Governance In Anambra_
The Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA) has reaffirmed its full and unwavering support to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, ahead of the November 8 Governorship election in Anambra State, stating that the governor has continued to demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, visionary, gender responsive, development-driven and people oriented. AWGA noted that the governor’s sustained focus on expanding opportunities for women and youths, strengthening community participation and advancing programmes that directly promote peace-building, skill acquisition and economic growth has earned him the trust of women across all zones of the state.
The assembly made this known in a nationwide press statement issued over the weekend by the group's Anambra State Coordinator, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Emeh, emphasizing that their support for Governor Soludo is rooted in evidence-based impact, visible governance outcomes, and reforms that prioritize Anambra’s long-term future beyond politics. AWGA stressed that continuity is crucial at a time when the state is navigating complex socio-economic realities and needs a tested leader who understands the developmental pathway the state has already commenced.
According to the women group, the governor’s approach to governance has opened new space for women, young people, widows, vulnerable groups, small business owners, and grassroots community stakeholders to participate more meaningfully in shaping the direction of the state.
In the statement, AWGA also appealed to the governor to continue to expand and deepen the model of inclusive governance which has made Anambra a state of shared progress, adding that both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in the state play critical roles in peacebuilding, coexistence, cohesion, economic growth and democratic stability. They stressed that the Anambra project is a collective responsibility that must continue to reflect the values of diversity, respect, unity, openness and fairness.
AWGA further used the medium to call on all women in Anambra, home and in the diaspora, to remain active participants in policy discourse, political engagement, election monitoring, mentorship and community mobilization, stating that women remain central actors in building stable societies, preventing conflict, shaping peaceful dialogue, driving reconciliation processes and strengthening development institutions.
The statement reads in part:
“We, the Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA), wish to state clearly and publicly that we stand firmly behind Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo ahead of the November 8 Governorship election. We reaffirm our support not out of sentiment, but because we have seen leadership grounded in inclusiveness, evidence-based development, human capacity expansion, peace building, innovation and integrity. We urge the Governor to continue to sustain his inclusive governance model because Anambra belongs to all, both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in the state, who contribute daily to peace, progress and economic stability. AWGA will continue to support policies that uplift women, develop youths, empower communities and protect the vulnerable. We believe that continuity will consolidate the foundation already laid and secure a better future for the next generation.”
AWGA expressed confidence that Anambra stands at an important moment in history and must prioritize stability while protecting the progress made. The organization commended the governor’s visible investments in youth innovation, digital skills development, empowerment programmes, educational infrastructure, community strengthening and job creation.
They emphasized that Anambra women will continue to promote unity, resist actions capable of destabilizing the state and encourage peaceful civic participation during the elections. They insisted that peace, equity and development must remain above partisan divides.
ABOUT ANAMBRA WOMEN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AWGA)
The Anambra Women General Assembly (AWGA) is a socio-cultural and non-partisan organization committed to advancing the inclusion and representation of Anambra women in governance and political participation, not only within Anambra State but also in all states and communities where they reside across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. AWGA was established in response to the long history of systemic exclusion experienced by Anambra women, particularly those living outside their state of origin, who have often been denied equitable access to leadership spaces, policy influence, elective opportunities, development interventions, and decision-making platforms.
Through robust advocacy, civic sensitization, capacity strengthening, leadership mentorship and community mobilization, AWGA promotes women’s participation in governance, education, economic empowerment, and skill acquisition programmes. Beyond promoting the rights and interests of Anambra women, the organization also advocates for inclusive participation of non-indigenous women, youths and men in political spaces in the states where they reside, thereby building a broader culture of equality, mutual respect, coexistence, and shared development.
AWGA is driven by the belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved when any segment of society is marginalized. Its members are continually reminded that the journey to representation, equity and women’s emancipation is ongoing — and that every individual carries a responsibility to contribute towards a society where women have equal opportunity, equal voice, equal participation and equal access to power structures.
VISION:
To advocate for the wellbeing, representation and inclusion of non-indigenous women, youths and men in the political and governance systems of the states where they reside in Nigeria, including access to both elective and appointive political offices.
MISSION:
To achieve a just and egalitarian society where all persons, regardless of origin, gender or status, enjoy equal opportunities, voice and space in leadership processes.
OBJECTIVES OF AWGA
1. To advocate for the inclusion of non-indigenous women, youths and men in the governance and political affairs of the states where they reside in Nigeria, including access to elective and appointive leadership opportunities.
2. To promote the health and wellbeing of women and children across communities.
3. To advocate against sexual and gender-based violence, human/illicit trafficking and drug abuse among her people.
4. To promote the fundamental rights, protection and privileges of Anambra women and children.
5. To promote education, mentorship, empowerment programmes and skill acquisition opportunities for women and youths.
6. To promote the Igbo language, cultural values and heritage in schools and among the people.
7. To advocate for access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as a human right for every citizen.
AWGA stands for a future where total inclusiveness is not just a slogan, but a lived reality for all.
AWGA — Total Inclusiveness For All
