Ukwuinyi Women Unveil Hummer Bus, Spotlight Land Acquisition, Scholarships, Youth Empowerment
By Everest Ezihe, Nkwerre
The Ukwuinyi Women Nnanano Nkwerre Association in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State, have unveiled a newly acquired Hummer bus as part of their ongoing efforts to promote community development, unity and the welfare of members.
The presentation ceremony, held last Thursday at the Village Hall, brought together the women, their husbands, children, in-laws, friends and well-wishers, as the vehicle was formally presented to their husbands, Ndi Di Ha, for their blessings in keeping with the traditional practice of the community and Igbo land at large.
Speaking at the ceremony, President General of the Association, Golden Lady (Amb.) Chika Uju, said the women had recorded several achievements within less than two years of her administration.
She listed the achievements to include the acquisition of plots of land, purchase of the Hummer bus, educational support for children and youth empowerment through tertiary and secondary education as well as skills acquisition.
“Within two years of our administration, we have bought plots of land, Hummer bus and empowered our youths in tertiary and secondary schools as well as through skill acquisition,” Uju said.
She further disclosed that the association had awarded scholarships to four children, with each beneficiary representing one of the four kindreds that make up Ukwuinyi Village.
Uju attributed the successful acquisition of the bus to the collective commitment and determination of members, expressing appreciation to the executive members, the women and their husbands for their contributions towards the project despite the challenges encountered.
“I appreciate members of my executives, the women and our husbands for their roles in developing the village. May God bless and reward them all,” she said.
The President General urged the women to continue to respect and support their husbands, uphold truth, promote peace, love and unity, properly care for their children and remain steadfast in their faith in God.
She also commended members of the Bus Purchasing Committee for their commitment and dedication to the assignment.
Chairman of the Bus Purchasing Committee, Comrade Edith Onyinye Oluigbo, who travelled to Lagos during the procurement process, played a leading role in securing and bringing the vehicle back to the community.
Oluigbo described the acquisition as a collective achievement of the women rather than a personal accomplishment.
“I feel deeply humbled, joyful and fulfilled to have been trusted as Chairman of this Bus Purchasing Committee and to have successfully purchased and handed over the bus to our women through our husbands,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the vehicle would serve its intended purpose by facilitating easier movement, strengthening unity and contributing to the progress of the women and the community.
The Secretary of the Bus Purchasing Committee, Mrs. Ada Mbadugha, who is also President of the Ukwuinyi Women Owerri Branch, documented the committee’s procurement journey, which took members from Owerri through Onitsha and Aba before the eventual purchase of the vehicle in Lagos.
Mbadugha expressed excitement over the successful completion of the project, describing it as the brainchild of Uju.
“I’m very excited over the successful purchase of the bus by Ukwuinyi women. The idea is the brainchild of Hon. Chika Uju, our President, and we pray that God gives her more wisdom to achieve more during her tenure,” she said.
She said the successful completion of the project demonstrated the power of collective action, encapsulated in the Igbo maxim, “Idi na Otu Bu Ike” — unity is strength.
Following the acquisition, the Assistant Financial Secretary of Ukwuinyi Women General, Mrs. Chinasa Uzoma, was appointed Chairman of the committee responsible for monitoring the bus, while Mrs. Chinyere Asimobi serves as Secretary.
Other officials associated with the programme included the Home President, Golden Lady Egondu Nneji Dike, and the Secretary General, Mrs. Chibuzo Orjiako, among others.
The ceremony ended on a colourful note, with the women dancing and celebrating what they described as another significant product of collective effort towards the development and advancement of Ukwuinyi Village.
