The Women’s Wing of the Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union, has celebrated its 32nd Annual August Meeting with the unveiling of a renovated Women’s Hall in Obuohia Obi-Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
The project was executed by the women as part of activities marking the 2026 August Conference and is aimed at providing a functional space for women’s activities, including skills acquisition and community development initiatives.
The event, held at the community school field in Obuohia Obi-Ibere, attracted dignitaries including the immediate past member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, clergy; community leaders; women from within and outside the community, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the occasion, the outgoing National President of the Women’s Wing, Dame Princess Onuigbo, said her administration assumed office with a clear vision to rebuild, empower and elevate the community.
She said the achievements recorded during her tenure were made possible through the collective support and contributions of members, as well as, the collaboration of illustrious sons and daughters of Obuohia Obi-Ibere in the diaspora.
According to her, the achievements of the women include the renovation of the Women’s hall, provision of a borehole, support for market, rehabilitation and functionalization of the community health centre, rural electrification projects involving transformers and solar panels, road grading, erosion control initiatives and the installation of agro-processing equipment.
Onuigbo also commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s interventions in the state, particularly in the area of infrastructure and healthcare.
She disclosed that the women had also contributed to youth and educational development through assistance with WAEC fees, renovation of dilapidated classroom blocks and provision of instructional materials for students.
The outgoing president further highlighted the successful registration of the union at both the local government and state levels, describing the development as a milestone that had strengthened the organisation’s voice and operations.
Other areas she identified as achievements included peace and conflict resolution, establishment of security task forces and vigilante groups, growth in the union’s financial reserves and an increase in its membership base.
While expressing appreciation to members for their sacrifices, Onuigbo stressed that community development should transcend political affiliations.
She, however, noted that the union encountered challenges, including economic difficulties, the COVID-19 pandemic, internal disagreements and periods of inadequate resources, but said the challenges strengthened the women’s resolve to remain committed to community development.
She said the community’s true power does not lie in the absence of difficulties, but in its ability to unite and overcome them, referencing on the theme of the celebration, “Silent Strength, Rising Hope – Women Raising the Next Generation of Community Builders with Courage in a Troubled World”, which reflected the resilience and determination of the women.
On the history of the August meeting, Onuigbo recalled that over two decades ago, some illustrious sons of the community, led by Elder Akobundu Oriaku and his colleagues, came together at Mbaraobom, Obuohia-Ibere, to revive the Women’s Wing of the Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union.
She said the initiative was founded on the principles of peace, development and progress, adding that she was privileged to serve as National Coordinator for 11 years before later becoming president of the union.
According to her, she had spent the last ten years leading the union and was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment after what she described as a journey of sacrifice, unity and significant achievements.
In his goodwill message, the former lawmaker who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, commended the women for sustaining the annual August meeting and for using it as a platform for community development.
Onuigbo also praised Dame Princess Onuigbo for her leadership and contributions to the development of the community over the past decade.
He urged the people to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, while commending Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the infrastructural transformation taking place across Abia State.
Also speaking, the National President of Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union, Men’s Wing, Chinadozi Atuma Uzuegbu, represented by the National Vice President, Mr. Ikechi Sigismund Mpamah, congratulated the women on the successful celebration.
He highlighted some achievements of the men’s wing, including efforts towards strengthening security, infrastructure development, electricity, investment in education, financial reforms, environmental cleanliness and promotion of unity within the community.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, congratulated the women for their contributions to community development.
The Governor described the August Meeting as a platform through which women had consistently contributed to the development of their communities.
He said the women of Obuohia Obi-Ibere had demonstrated that annual August gatherings could go beyond social activities by using the occasions to execute projects that benefit the people.
Otti commended the women for their contributions and said his administration valued their role in community development.
He highlighted the administration’s interventions in healthcare, education and agriculture, noting that the renovation and construction of health centres remained a priority because of the need to reduce maternal and child mortality.
The Governor also urged the women to take the issue of unity seriously, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an environment of peace and unity.
In an interview, Otti called on women in other communities to emulate the Obuohia Obi-Ibere women by transforming their annual August meetings into opportunities for executing meaningful development projects.
He also commended Dame Princess Onuigbo for her contributions to the community and for her leadership of the women’s wing.
The celebration featured the presentation of awards, cultural displays, a march-past, games, news casting and the distribution of food items to women, among other activities.
