August Meeting: Enugu Gender Affairs Commissioner harps on unity, girl-child education

Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih addressing the women during the August meeting. To her left is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (External Relations), Uche Anichukwu

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The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, has stressed the need for women to maintain unity and focus on self-development, describing them as a formidable force for socioeconomic development.

Mrs Enih also called on women to ensure they send their children, including the girl-child, to school, noting that Governor Peter Mbah has democratised quality education through the establishment of 267 Smart Green Schools in all the 260 wards of the state.

The Commissioner made the call on the final day of the General August Meeting of Nomeh Unateze United Women Association in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

She noted that “Resilience,” the 2026 August Meeting theme, as flagged earlier in the month by the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, reflects the importance of unity, commitment, self-development, and perseverance in achieving shared goals.

On the significance of August Meeting, she said August Meeting provides an opportunity for women across Igbo land to review progress, address challenges, and encourage everyone to remain focused despite difficulties in order to build a better society.

Mrs Enih, therefore, encouraged the women of Nomeh Unateze to remain united and success-driven. She reminded them of their fundamental rights and the need for concerted effort against gender-based violence.

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“Our central message in this year’s August Meeting is ‘Resilience.’ No matter the situation, just be resilient. The great women of Nomeh, I want to encourage you to be resilient, no matter what.

“Before, our children were sent to live with people simply because they promised to train them in school. But they ended up abusing the children. However, today in Enugu, no woman has any reason not to send her children to school because Governor Peter Mbah has democratised quality education by building Smart Green Schools in all the 260 wards of Enugu State, and it is free. No one collects a dime from you. Plus, the children get one square meal at school daily. They get free tablets, uniforms and other learning materials.

“Lastly, I want to appeal that this unity amongst you should never be allowed to break, as unity is strength,” she said. She donated cash and wrappers to the women.

Speaking, the Patron of Nomeh Unateze United Women Association and the immediate past President of the body, Mrs Chinwe Okonkwo, commended Governor Mbah for all the developmental projects he is executing in the community and urged him to continue to lead the state well.

“Without the security and so many infrastructure he has bestowed on our town, you would probably not find this number of women. But we are happy, as you can see. I urge our women to heed the message of unity and perseverance of the First Lady of Enugu State,” Mrs Okonkwo stated.

In her remarks, the incumbent President of the Association, Mrs Chinelo Egbo, announced the total support of Nomeh women for the governor come 2027.

Earlier in his remark, the Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Media (External Relations), Uche Anichukwu, highlighted the numerous development projects being executed by the Mbah administration in the community. They include the Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road, Nomeh-Oduma Road, Smart Green School, Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, among others.

He urged the women and the entire community not to relent in their love for unity and peaceful coexistence, as well as support for the governor and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The 2026 August General Meeting of Nomeh Unateze United Women Association, which was earlier declared open by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Israel Mbah, on Tuesday, featured engagement with various sectors of the community, counselling sessions, health education, vocational training and teachings on the causes and prevention of gender-based violence, among others.