Former member of the House of Representatives and President of GLOBE Legislators International, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has commended the women of Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union for their contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure and peacebuilding in the community.
Onuigbo gave the commendation at the 32nd Annual August Meeting of the Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union Women’s Wing at Obuohia Obi-Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
He praised the leadership of the women’s wing, particularly the outgoing President, Mrs Chinyere Onuigbo, who he said served as National Coordinator of the union for 11 years and National President for 10 years.
According to him, the women recorded significant achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure and community peace initiatives during her tenure.
Onuigbo also expressed support for the agitation for more seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, saying women had demonstrated strong leadership capacity in various organisations.
He urged greater encouragement for women, noting that they possessed the ability to lead and manage organisations effectively.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr Anthony Nwaubani, said women remained the foundation of stability and development in communities across Abia State.
He said women played vital roles in stabilising society, driving progress and raising children who would become useful members of their families and communities.
Nwaubani, who represented the governor at the event, said the Otti administration remained committed to improving women’s welfare, including through the renovation and functionalisation of health centres aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality.
He added that the administration was also implementing empowerment programmes, stressing that issues affecting women remained important to the government.
Otti commended the women of Obuohia Obi-Ibere for sustaining their union over the years and urged other groups to learn from their achievements in community development.
He also called on the people of Obuohia Ibere to maintain unity and continue supporting his administration.
In her address, Mrs Chinyere Onuigbo said the Women’s Wing was reformed 21 years ago to restore peace and promote development in the community.
She said she served sacrificially and was proud of the milestones recorded during her tenure, including infrastructure development, youth empowerment, legal registration and security initiatives.
She listed the construction of a Women’s Hall, borehole, market and health centre, as well as the provision of solar power, road grading and erosion-control projects among the achievements of the women’s wing.
Onuigbo thanked Governor Otti for functionalising the community health centre in 2026 and for other forms of support extended to the community.
The event featured the unveiling of the rehabilitated hall, a march-past, cultural dance, beauty pageant and presentation of awards to supporters.
