The palace of H.R.H.Igwe Chukwudi Ngwudile, Agbodom the third and Chinemeze 1 of Abor, in Udi Local government area of Enugu state on the 10th of September, 2022, was filled with people from all walks of life to witness the grand occasion and inauguration of some women who were selected to join the traditional ruling council and the Town Union Executive of the community.
The possibility of such a memorable day is an outcome of the intervention of the Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) through the Women Voice and Leadership (WVL) project sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and supported by Action Aid Nigeria.
Speaking during the occasion, the Executive Director of WEPBI, Oguadimma Joy Ijeoma, expressed her joy for the day, saying that it took the origination and the community leader whole lots of dialogue and engagement to make such day a reality. She thanked the community members especially the male cabinet members for their consideration and acceptance of women inclusion in the cabinet, assuring them of a positive impact in the community. To the women she told them to be just w bench warmer in the cabinet, rather they should strive to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making and developmental project of the community.
Igwe Agbado the third also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the initiative, saying that their expectation is high that other communities that are yet to do such should try requesting that the organization should also take the idea to them immediately.
During an interview with the women, Mrs. Akpugo Staller one of the inaugurated women also said that she is overwhelmed with joy for being one of those selected to join them men in the palace to make decision for the community. “My joy knows no bound today, for amongst all that were screened I came out victorious and today I am recognized and addressed as Ichie. Eziokwu Bu Ndu 1 of Abor community” she said.
Another women cabinet member, Mrs. Edith Ozor who spoke to WEPBI media team, said that she never believed such a day will come when women will sit with men in the palace to exchange ideas. “We were surprised when the initiative was brought and never believed it will come to reality, but today through the intervention of WEPBI, this us women being placed side by side with men with equal right in the palace” she said.
A little conversation with the town union president general, Hon. Bonaventure Ozor who is also a member of the cabinet revealed that the women were carefully selected from different clans and organizations to make sure every part of the community is well represented in the palace. According him, a screening was organized to make sure the women are the best option before the inauguration.
All the women inaugurated into the cabinet received a certificate validating their acceptance and inclusion into the highest decision-making body of the community
The occasion also witnessed the confinement of title to Mrs. Virginia Ogochukwu Obianyo with a chieftaincy title of Ugwum sin a Chi 1 of Abor.
Other members of the community to show appreciation to the sponsors and supporter of the movement came with different cultural music drumming and dancing.