By Kelechi Ugo
Women from across the 15 wards of Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State have reaffirmed their commitment to the preservation of Igbo culture, women empowerment and community development as they converged at the Orsu Local Government Headquarters, Awo-Idemili, for the grand finale of the 2026 Orsu Women’s August Meeting.
The colourful event, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, brought together women leaders, traditional and community stakeholders, political leaders, councillors, wives of political office holders and other distinguished personalities in a celebration marked by cultural displays, entertainment, empowerment and solidarity.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by the Supervisor for Health, Orsu LGA, Hon. Mabel Obiefule.
The Executive Chairman of Orsu Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Friday Ibekaeme KSJI, JP, alongside his deputy, Hon. Sir Kevin Ezikeojiku KSM, Chairperson, Lady Ibekaeme Jovita Ngozi, Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. Eruo Chinonye Cyriacus KSJI, and other members of the council, attended the event.
Also present were the Special Adviser/Chief of Staff, Hon. Mazi Clifford; SSA to the Governor on Welfare and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Ijeoma Onyebuagu; Councillors Hon. Amb. ThankGod Izunobi, Hon. Linus Udeh, Hon. Polycarp Anyanwu Egeonu and Bro. Ikeja Tochukwu; APC Chairman in Orsu, Hon. Sir Benjamin Ukachukwu; APC Women Leader, Hon. Chinonye Mmaduaku; and other political stakeholders.
The event also attracted wives of political leaders, including Lady Zita Ezikeojiku, wife of the Vice Chairman; Lady Kelechi Eruo, wife of the SECLOG; Mrs. Ebele Udeh, wife of the Orsu-Ihiteukwa Councillor; and Ngaikedi Adaobi Vera, wife of the Supervisor for Education.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the traditional dance competition involving women from different wards of Orsu.
The participants showcased the rich cultural heritage of the people through traditional dances, costumes and performances, creating an atmosphere of excitement while promoting the preservation of Igbo cultural identity.
Winners of the cultural competition received prizes presented by the Executive Chairman and the Chairperson.
The occasion also featured a colourful march past involving communities, party members, wives of councillors and political leaders, further adding colour and excitement to the celebration.
Another attraction was the raffle draw, through which lucky participants went home with various gifts presented by Lady Ibekaeme Jovita Ngozi, Hon. Dr. Ijeoma Onyebuagu, Lady Zita Ezikeojiku and Hon. Mabel Obiefule.
In her keynote address, the Chairperson of Orsu LGA, Lady Ibekaeme Jovita Ngozi, stressed the need for deliberate efforts to preserve Igbo language, customs, traditions and values.
She noted that women, particularly mothers, have a crucial responsibility in transmitting cultural values to the younger generation, urging them to ensure that their children learn to speak and understand the Igbo language.
The Chairperson said the theme of the 2026 August Meeting, “Udo Ọdịnala, Olu Ịga-n’ihu” — “The Threads of Tradition, Voices of Progress,” captured the need to strike a balance between preserving cultural identity and embracing development.
She maintained that cultural preservation should not be seen as a barrier to progress, but rather as a foundation upon which future generations can build.
Women receive empowerment items
The celebration also featured the distribution of empowerment and welfare materials to women across the various wards.
Beneficiaries received items including wheelbarrows, 5kg gas cylinders with burners, large frying pans and hand grinders to support their household and small-scale economic activities.
Wrappers were also distributed to women courtesy of the First Lady of Imo State, Her Excellency Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma.
The Chairperson expressed appreciation to the First Lady for supporting the women and contributing to efforts aimed at promoting the preservation and survival of the Igbo language and cultural heritage.
She described the gesture as an indication of continued concern for the welfare and advancement of women, particularly those in rural communities.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Orsu LGA, Hon. Chief Friday Ibekaeme KSJI, JP, commended the women for their impressive turnout, unity and continued support for his administration.
Ibekaeme assured the women that his administration would continue to promote inclusiveness and ensure that women remain relevant participants in the governance and development of the local government.
He urged the women to remain united and actively participate in the political development of Orsu, stressing that their numerical strength and grassroots influence could play an important role in shaping the future of the area.
The Chairman also charged them to become “fishers of men” for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
According to him, party members and stakeholders must close ranks, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and work collectively for electoral success.
He called for effective mobilisation from the presidential and senatorial levels through the House of Representatives to the State House of Assembly, expressing confidence in the ability of APC stakeholders to deliver what he described as a 4/4 victory in the forthcoming elections.
Lady Ibekaeme Jovita Ngozi, in a separate remark, reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining empowerment and development initiatives targeted at women across Orsu.
She thanked the women for their participation and support, while urging them to continue working together for peace, progress and development in the local government.
She again expressed profound gratitude to Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma for providing empowerment materials for rural women and supporting initiatives aimed at keeping the Igbo language and culture alive.
The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Hon. Dr. Ijeoma Onyebuagu, who commended the women for their active participation and contributions to the success of the celebration.
She prayed for sustained peace, unity and progress in Orsu Local Government Area.
The 2026 Orsu Women’s August Meeting Grand Finale thus ended on a high note, combining cultural celebration with practical empowerment and political engagement.
Beyond the colourful displays and festivities, the gathering provided a platform for reinforcing the role of women as custodians of Igbo culture, agents of economic empowerment and important stakeholders in community development and governance.
The celebration also underscored the commitment of the Orsu Local Government Council to inclusive governance, women empowerment, cultural preservation and the promotion of unity among the people.
