Enugu State came alive in a colourful display of love, unity, and inspiration as women leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from the 17 local government areas gathered at Okpara Square, Independent Layout, to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day in grand style.
The remarkable celebration was hosted by the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, and officially commenced upon the arrival of her representative, Mrs. Uche Ugwu, wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly. The opening prayer was delivered by Prophetess Favor Nnaji of Christ Ascension Church, Enugu, who thanked God for the gift of life, reminding attendees that not everyone present at the previous gathering was alive to witness this year’s celebration.
In her opening address, the ALGON Chairperson, Mrs. Rita Edeh, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of love as a unifying force in homes and communities. She called on women to remain pillars of peace and compassion in society.
The Master of Ceremony acknowledged all local governments in attendance, proudly noting that they were fully represented by women. The interactive session that followed added excitement to the event, as two representatives from each local government shared their perspectives on the meaning of Valentine’s Day.
Eze Francisca (Udenu) described it as a day dedicated to acts of love, while Hon. Ifeoma Ogbonna (Oji River) called it a special day for love and forgiveness, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Agueze Chinwe (Enugu East) emphasized that loving someone means refraining from causing harm, and Serena Ugwu (Enugu East) cited John 3:16 to highlight love for friends, family, and humanity at large.
Mrs. Obum and Agu Dorothy (Nsukka) reflected on agape love and loving others as oneself, while Chinasa Ugwu encouraged extending love both near and far. Mrs. Ogochukwu (Enugu South) stressed reconciliation and remembering loved ones, and representatives from Ezeagu underscored the importance of sustaining love within families and marriages. Dr. Nnamani (Nkanu West) urged women to love God first, then themselves and others, while Mrs. Regina Eneje (Uzo Uwani) advocated visiting hospitals and supporting the less privileged. Mrs. Uche (Udi) concluded that love must be continuous and intentional.
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Mrs. Olachi Chuks-Roni, Head of the Foreign Commonwealth Enugu State Office, who spoke passionately on “The Power of Self-Love.” She emphasized that genuine love for others begins with loving oneself, addressing emotional wounds many women carry, including childhood trauma, societal rejection, and body shaming. Sharing her personal journey of once disliking her name “Olachi” until she understood its meaning, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and avoid jealousy and self-rejection, reminding them that questioning themselves is indirectly questioning God’s creation.
The celebration was graced by prominent personalities including the Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Ngozi Eze; Hon. Dr. Chinyere; Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike; Barr. Chidimma; Mrs. Egodi; Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh; South East APC Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Ani; Hon. Mrs. Otella; Mrs. Dike; and Hon. Barr. Ibenaku, among others.
Also present were several local government chairpersons and women leaders, including Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo (Nkanu West), Mrs. Uche Anyaegbudike (Oji River), Mrs. Onoh (Enugu North), Dr. Mrs. Happiness Anike (Enugu East), Mrs. Deborah Ngozi Ani (Enugu South), Mrs. Ogalla (Igbo-Eze North), Barr. Empress Ugo-Ferdinand (Igbo-Eze South), Mrs. Ndu (Ezeagu), Mrs. Asogwa (Nsukka), Mrs. Okolo (Awgu), and Mrs. Aka Eze Aka (Udenu), among others.
In a symbolic moment, Mrs. Uche Ugwu, representing the First Lady, cut the Valentine’s Day cake on her behalf after delivering her speech. The representative of Custos Care Foundation, Mrs. Ngozi Egeonu, also addressed the gathering, lending further support to the message of compassion and outreach.
The event featured lively competitions and gift presentations, adding colour and excitement to the celebration.
The women leaders reiterated that Valentine’s Day is about spreading love and putting smiles on faces. They encouraged participants to carry the spirit of the event back to their homes and communities.
The celebration ended on a joyful and uplifting note, leaving attendees inspired to practice intentional love, reconciliation, and self-worth long after the Valentine decorations are gone.
