Date: May 28, 2026
The Women Empowerment Education and Peacebuilding Initiative (WEPBI) on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi I of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, who also serves as the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, at his palace in Enugu State.
The high-level engagement, led by the Executive Director of WEPBI, Oguadimma Ijeoma Joy, aimed to present updates and notable achievements from the recently concluded Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project in advancing women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes. The team also officially introduced the newly commencing Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, emphasizing its strategic focus on deepening grassroots women’s inclusion and building upon prior successes.
During the engagement, WEPBI advocated for the institutional inclusion of women in traditional leadership structures across Enugu State, stressing that female representation must transition from active advocacy into formal policy adoption and implementation within traditional governance systems. The delegation also called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions as critical pillars for driving gender equality, peacebuilding, and inclusive community development.
Reflecting the tangible progress of grassroots inclusion, the visit featured the presence of Eze Regina Nkechi and Elugwu Cordelia Uzoamaka, both prominent members of the traditional cabinet in the Ikpamodo community within Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. The delegation also included His Royal Highness, Igwe Sir Tagbo Ubaka JP, and His Royal Highness, Igwe Chukwudi Ngwudile.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director expressed deep appreciation to the royal father for his warm reception and exemplary leadership across the South East region. She reiterated the vital role of strategic partnerships in ensuring that women are not merely spectators but active, influential participants in governance structures at all levels.
In his response, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, commended WEPBI for its consistent and impactful advocacy efforts, reaffirming his personal and official commitment to promoting women’s inclusion. He highlighted his longstanding support for gender equality, noting proudly that he is the first traditional ruler in his community to appoint a woman as President General and currently has two women serving actively within his own cabinet.
He further pledged his ongoing support toward advancing increased representation for women in leadership, particularly at the grassroots level, and encouraged continued engagement with traditional institutions to strengthen inclusive governance across the state.
This advocacy engagement is implemented under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, supported by ActionAid Nigeria and fully funded by Global Affairs Canada.