The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu (PhD) has stressed the need for women across board to assume leadership positions, noting that it is key in catching up with the challenges of the contemporary society.
Deaconess Ikpeazu who spoke through her representative, Chief love Ezema, at the 4th edition of the Community Women’s August Meeting held on Saturday at St. Andrew’s Primary School Field Uratta, Umuoha in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State, said it has become germane for women to show society how much they have been mentored in leadership, maintaining that women posses all it takes to drive the economy of Nigeria.
She admonished women to come out of their shells of relegating themselves to the background, noting that they have over the years, shown society their capacity to drive the economies of nations.
The wife of the Governor used the occasion to laud the leadership potentials so far exhibited by the owner of the Foundation, Lady Tina Atasie, pointing out that she has tutored women of the foundation on leadership, stressing that such leadership qualities if put to use by women of the foundation, will eradicate a whole lot of decadence in the society.
She appreciated Lady Atasie for her various philanthropic gestures targeted at improving the lives of indigent women just as she prayed God to continue to spur her into doing more.
On her part, the Commissioner for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Lady Adaku Uwaoma Oseiza, represented by a HOD in the department, Mrs Chinyere Nwosu, revealed that the Abia SME’s have witnessed various feats in SME development, stating that the State was the first to legitimize the Omnibus Ministry that serves as clearing house for all SME related activities including one stop shop that forms the catalyst for business development, marketing among others.
She commended the owner of the Foundation, Lady Tina Atasie for her effort in nurturing women of Umuoha to be self-reliant , stressing that such initiative is a fulfillment of the sustainable development goal while also noting that it will help in the development of the entire Ngwaland.
Earlier in his response, the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Prof Uche Ikonne, appreciated Lady Atasie for thinking home despite her right schedules, emphasizing that she has united the people of Umuoha through acts of charity.
He commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (PhD) for ensuring there is peace in the land, maintaining that such was the basis for the peaceful conduct of the event.
Prof Ikonne thanked the Governor for remaining unwavering in his efforts to reshape Abia State. He said the importance of the event cannot be overstated, adding that it is key to bringing people together to resolve some pertinent issues in their communities, noting that next year’s edition will be mouthwatering.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt Hon Christopher Enweremadu, said though August meeting is alien to the people of Ngwaland, it has become a unifying factor for women to deliberate on issues as it affects their communities.
He stated that the event has had huge impact in unifying women as it has yielded positive results. He enjoined Umuoha women to use the period to deliberate on their problems and solve them, urging them to make good use of the opportunity they have been provided with by Tina Foundation.
In her address, the convener of the August Meeting and founder of the foundation, Lady Tina Atasie said the Foundation impacts women of the community by bringing them together where they listen to one another on community issues, while also assisting themselves financially, through the provision of fertilizers among others.
She said the idea is to cover the whole Ngwaland, as there is hunger and starvation in the land caused by the harsh economic realities on ground.
Lady Atasie identified finance as a major challenge in trying to drive this lofty idea of reaching out to many women, calling on wealthy individuals and philanthropists to key in and assist the Foundation by visiting their Facebook Page at Tina Atasie Foundation.
In his vote of thanks, the Abia Consultant on Abia Revenue Generation, Sir Marc Atasie lauded his wife and her Foundation for hosting the guests, saying that the event was colourful while also expressing optimism that it will continue to blossom and be a source of hope for many women.
Sir Atasie noted that it is possible for Tina Foundation to reach out to women in Abia State while also appreciating Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and wife Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu for their support to the foundation.
Members of the Foundation who were rendered financial assistance, including: Akuoma Chikezie, Judith Christopher, Elizabeth Madugba among others, thanked Lady Atasie for her philanthropy, praying God to replenish all she has been spending over the years.
Newsbuka.com, reports there were awards of excellence for women who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour, presented to them by Barr. Lady Uzoamaka Ikonne while there were financial assistance and checks issued to women of the Foundation by Lady Tina Atasie.
