By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
It was a colourful and memorable day in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as the College of Nursing Sciences Mbano Alumni Association (CONSMAA) was officially inaugurated. The event followed years of dedicated efforts by former students aimed at addressing various needs of the institution.
The day’s activities began with a high Mass at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, where the presiding prelate, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, commended the alumni association members for their unwavering commitment to their alma mater.
He encouraged them to continue advancing the cause of healthcare and emphasized the importance of addressing human health needs.
Following the Mass, the inauguration ceremony took place at De Copperfield Hotel in Owerri, attracting dignitaries from various sectors and jubilant members of CONSMAA from around the globe. The event provided an opportunity for a heartfelt homecoming, a reunion, and a renewed sense of camaraderie among former classmates.
In her address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CONSMAA, Dr. Ndidiamaka Okoro-Egemonu, described the inauguration as the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Reflecting on the journey that led to the association’s formation, she expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to making the event a success.
Dr. Okoro-Egemonu emphasized that the association’s mission is to give back to the institution that shaped them into the professionals they are today. She also shared that the association’s members have already made strides in addressing some of the school’s challenges.
The United States-based healthcare specialist, Dr. Okoro-Egemonu further highlighted the association’s aim to advance the nursing profession due to its critical role in community health and wellbeing. She called for continued efforts to foster a culture of excellence and compassion in healthcare, urging members to support these noble goals.
The President of CONSMAA, Lady Elizabeth Obiageri Anyasor, expressed her joy and pride at the milestone, noting that it was the result of “small but meaningful steps towards its formation.” She emphasized that the ultimate goal of the alumni association is to positively impact the school, which had nurtured them.
Lady Anyasor also encouraged current students to take their studies seriously, stressing that nursing is not just a profession but a calling to preserve and enhance life.
A highlight of the event was the delivery of lectures on the theme, “Train A Girl, Train A Nation: The Need for Girl-child Training and Empowerment,” by two distinguished speakers: Her Excellency, Barr. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State and Nigerian Ambassador-designate, and Chief Mrs. Ruby Emele, Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The guest speakers both emphasized that empowering and educating the girl-child is crucial for national development. They asserted that educated and empowered women contribute significantly to economic growth, political participation, and the dismantling of harmful societal norms.
They also stressed the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for the girl-child to foster self-esteem, critical thinking, and leadership skills, while also advocating for equal attention to the education and welfare of the male child in building a balanced society.
The ceremony, chaired by Barr. Raphael Obi and coordinated by Dr. Mrs. Agnes Chinyere Anyalebechi, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, was filled with joyous moments. The event featured entertainment, dances, and donations for CONSMAA’s future projects, all contributing to an atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of the Isiala Mbano Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Ogemdi Agbugba; Barr. Mrs. Chisara Egwim Chima, CONSMAA’s Legal Adviser; Sir Eugene Obi Ntamere; Ven. Dr. Felix Anyasor; and Nze Nick-Ebere Iwuanyanwu, among others.
The event marked a significant chapter in the history of the College of Nursing Sciences Mbano, as alumni came together to chart a course for the future and ensure the continued success of their alma mater.
