_...Empowers 340 Widows, Other Women with N500,000 Business Grants Each_
_...Urges Enugu Women to Rise, Lead and Lift Others_
...ALGON Chairperson Enugu State/South-East, Hon Mrs Rita Edeh Empowers 21 Women
_...17 LGAs Converge In Celebration of Strength, Culture and Sisterhood_
Women from the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, women’s associations, professional groups, religious organisations, entrepreneurs, widows, political stakeholders and community leaders have converged in Enugu for the successful 2026 Enugu Women’s August Meeting, celebrating the resilience, enterprise, culture, strength and achievements of women across the state.
The annual gathering, hosted by the Wife of the Enugu State Governor and First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, was held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, under the theme “The Resilient Woman.”
The colourful event featured a march past by the 17 Local Government Areas and numerous women’s organisations, cultural performances, business exhibitions, empowerment initiatives, a medical outreach, networking and inspiring conversations on the role of women in families, communities and the development of Enugu State.
The morning programme commenced with a warm welcome from the Honourable Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, after which women took to the field for the much-anticipated march past.
Group after group proudly represented their Local Government Areas, associations, religious bodies, political organisations and community groups, creating a colourful procession that showcased the diversity and unity of Enugu women.
The march past featured all 17 Local Government Areas, as well as organisations including the Christian Women Organisation, Anglican Women Organisation, Methodist Church Nigeria, Star Best Widows, Hausa Community, Enugu State Deaf Women Association, Women Support Women Community Network, Umuada Peter Mbah, Enugu Women Stakeholders Worldwide, Dorcas Foundation, Female Appointees for Enugu State, APC Enugu State Women Wing, Enugu Women in Politics, Enugu State Jesus Wives, Kpakpando Women Support Group, City Boys Movement and Youth Council Ladies, among others.
The Zonal APC Women Leader, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih, and Deputy Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh, served as judges for the march past competition.
The APC Enugu State Women Wing emerged winner of the competition, while Enugu South Local Government Area came second and Enugu East Local Government Area secured third position.
The march past was followed by captivating cultural performances by the Enugu State Cultural Troupe, while women also took to the floor with traditional dances, adding colour, energy and cultural depth to the celebration.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “The Resilient Woman,” Mrs. Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, South-East, Nigerian Breweries, highlighted the extraordinary strength of women in overcoming adversity.
She noted that the resilient woman could be found in the widow who raises her children alone, the trader who loses her capital and starts again, the civil servant who survives on limited resources, the mother caring for a sick child and ageing parents, and the entrepreneur who faces repeated rejection but refuses to give up.
She observed that many resilient women may never trend on social media, yet their sacrifices, courage and contributions remain invaluable to their families and communities.
Mrs. Egolum urged the women to see themselves as nation builders, pillars of society and carriers of dreams, stressing the importance of faith, hard work, dedication and determination in transforming challenges into opportunities.
The Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, Comr. Egodi Igwe, also gave an overview of the foundation’s work, highlighting programmes and initiatives focused on women, children and vulnerable groups.
In her address, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah expressed deep appreciation to the women who attended the celebration in their numbers and brought their stories, talents, culture and strength to the occasion.
She said the diversity of women represented at the event was a beautiful demonstration of the richness and capacity of women across Enugu State.
“I am filled with gratitude for the women who showed up in their numbers and brought their stories, talents, culture, and strength with them. From the march past and cultural displays to the conversations, celebrations, and moments of connection, the day was a beautiful reminder of the richness that exists in our women and the many ways they contribute to the life of our state.”
The First Lady said seeing women from different communities, associations, professions and backgrounds share the same space was particularly meaningful, describing it as a reflection of the unity and strength that women can bring to society.
Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, Mrs. Mbah said resilience should not be understood merely as the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Resilient Woman,’ also gave us an opportunity to reflect on what resilience means beyond simply enduring difficult times. It is about rising, learning, building, supporting others, and creating better possibilities for the people who come after us.”
She urged women to continue investing in themselves through education, skills acquisition, enterprise and mutual support, while encouraging them to use their influence to promote peace and positive change in their homes and communities.
Mrs. Mbah emphasised that the strongest women are not necessarily those who rise alone, but those who rise and lift others with them.
“Wherever God places you, lead with passion and courage.”
She further stressed that resilience should be measured not only by position or personal achievement but also by service to others and the ability to make a positive difference.
A major highlight of the gathering was the empowerment of 340 widows with cash support to strengthen their livelihoods and provide additional assistance in meeting their economic needs.
Three other women were empowered with N500,000 NBL Empowerment Grants each, aimed at supporting their small businesses and strengthening their entrepreneurial activities.
The event also witnessed another empowerment intervention by ALGON Chairperson, Enugu State and South-East, Mrs. Rita Ngozi Edeh, who empowered 21 women with various support items. The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation through songs and celebratory displays.
Mrs. Edeh further presented women from Nkanu East with large tubers of yam, abacha, garri, rice, red oil, cartons of tomato paste, bags and assorted delicacies.
The August Meeting also created a marketplace for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and promote their businesses.
Ambassador Onyebara Chizoba, Chief Executive Officer of Zobis Fashion, exhibited ready-to-wear clothing and announced the availability of nationwide delivery services.
Crafts School Plus, owned by Lady Mercy Ojukwu, displayed handmade products, including headwear, fascinators and crocheted footwear.
Other exhibitors included Sochi Foods Limited, represented by Mrs. Erimma Nwando; Azam Foods, owned by Ectovic Foods, a subsidiary of EKY Vision owned by Rosemary Asogwa; and Amaris Multi Ventures, which showcased a range of food spices.
The gathering further received a major health intervention through a free medical outreach organised by Enugu Women Stakeholders Worldwide, whose members travelled from Lagos to participate in the August Meeting and provide medical support to women.
A goodwill message was also delivered by the Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, Comr. Egodi Igwe, while the First Lady, upon arrival with her entourage, was warmly received by participants.
Following the empowerment activities, the National Anthem was sung before Mrs. Mbah and her entourage toured the various Local Government stands, interacting with women, exhibitors and participants.
The First Lady described the celebration as a beautiful demonstration of the strength, culture and enterprise of Enugu women.
“What a celebration it was! The 2026 Enugu Women’s August Meeting was everything we hoped for and more, with women from all 17 Local Government Areas, women’s groups, associations, and different walks of life turning up in their numbers. Dressed in beautiful colours and proudly representing their communities, the women brought so much life to this year’s theme, ‘The Resilient Woman.’”
She noted that the cultural displays, march past, conversations and interactions provided a memorable demonstration of what can be achieved when women from different backgrounds come together.
Mrs. Mbah also expressed appreciation to the various dignitaries, women leaders, government officials, partners, sponsors, volunteers and participants whose presence and support contributed to the success of the event.
Among those she acknowledged were former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Barr. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; former First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Clara Chibuzor Obiete; Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Deputy Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh; Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Benedetto Ekwutosi Okoli; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dame Ugochi Madueke; ALGON Chairperson, Mrs. Rita Edeh; and the 17 Local Government Chairpersons.
Others included Zonal APC Women Leader, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih; Wife of the APC Chairman in Enugu State, Lady Nwanneka Chukwunwike; APC Women Leader, Hon. Esther Edeh; the Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants in attendance; President, National Council of Women’s Societies, Enugu Chapter, Hon. Chichi Ogbu; President, Catholic Women Organisation; Coordinator, Enugu Women Prayer Network, Evangelist Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi; the Wife of the Archbishop, Enugu Anglican Communion; the Wife of the Archbishop, Methodist Church; Managing Director, Custos Care Foundation, Comr. Egodi Igwe; and representatives of the various women’s groups and associations.
Mrs. Mbah also acknowledged the support of partners, including Amstel Malta, Legend Nigeria, Dano Milk Nigeria, Three Crowns Milk, 7UP, Cway and D’Ben Estate, as well as everyone who contributed in any capacity to the success of the occasion.
The event attracted several other notable women leaders and stakeholders, including Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke, Ambassador Mrs. Onyinye Joy Mamah, Ambassador Mrs. Chiemerie Anyi, Hon. Mrs. Esther Edeh, Lady Adaeze Ogbu, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, Dr. Clara Chukwu, Chief Ijeoma Nnaji, Dr. Amaka Ngene and Dr. Jane Nnaji, among others.
The First Lady concluded her message with a prayer that the spirit of resilience celebrated at the gathering would extend beyond the event.
“May the strength we celebrated continue to live in our homes, our communities, and in every woman who carries the story of Enugu forward.”
The event ended with a group photograph and further interactions among dignitaries, women, participants and exhibitors.
Beyond the colourful displays and festivities, the 2026 Enugu Women’s August Meeting emerged as a significant platform for empowerment, enterprise development, cultural expression, networking, health support and community engagement.
With women from all 17 Local Government Areas united under the theme “The Resilient Woman,” the gathering reaffirmed the capacity of Enugu women to overcome challenges, build sustainable livelihoods, support one another, preserve their cultural heritage and contribute meaningfully to the development of their families, communities and the state.
_FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
