By Tony Ezike
The Director General of the South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, described the 2024 Anambra APC Women Leaders Summit as a bold step towards creating a lasting legacy of progressive leadership in the state.
The summit, held on Friday, 11th October 2024, at the Oma Event Center beside Ekwueme Park in Awka, gathered women from across the state to discuss the pivotal theme: “The Role of Women in Politics in the 21st Century.” The event marked a major milestone in empowering women in politics, fostering collaboration, and promoting their progress within the political sphere.
As the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Uche Ekwunife was represented by Hon. Mrs. Ify Chinwuko, a key figure in her campaign organization. In her remarks, Ekwunife hailed the summit as a groundbreaking event, noting that it was the first of its kind organized by APC Women Leaders in Anambra State. She commended the leadership of the State Woman Leader, Lady Maria Ejielo, and her team for their tireless efforts in redefining the role of APC women in the state.
Ekwunife stressed the importance of women becoming exemplary ambassadors of the party, encouraging them to go beyond partisan interests and focus on making a lasting impact on Anambra’s citizens. “Our goal should not be solely to represent the party, but to champion progress, unity, and the betterment of society,” she said, urging the women to craft policies that address the needs of their communities.
Senator Uche Ekwunife seized the opportunity presented by the Women’s Summit to extol the virtues of Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen Oluremi Tinubu. She emphasized that the First Lady has displayed uncommon ingenuity and grace in public service, dating back to their days together in the Senate, where Sen Oluremi Tinubu demonstrated a rare commitment to caring for her female colleagues.
Ekwunife added, “Having worked closely with Sen Oluremi Tinubu for two terms in the Senate, I can personally attest to her unwavering integrity, boundless empathy, and profound wisdom.” She highlighted the First Lady’s tireless dedication to uplifting lives, particularly through her investment in human capital development.
Senator Ekwunife passionately urged women leaders to emulate the First Lady’s humility and compassion, noting that these virtues are vital for effective leadership and lasting impact.
In commending the State Women Leader, Maria Ejielo, for organizing such a pivotal summit, Ekwunife acknowledged that Ejielo had established an empowering platform to encourage more women to participate in politics and extend their services. She remarked that the quality of leadership directly influences the quality of services rendered, calling on more women to step forward and make a difference.
The senator further praised Lady Ejielo’s leadership, acknowledging the significant strides made under her guidance. She encouraged Ejielo to continue leading with wisdom, empathy, and the resilience necessary to build organic party support and ensure that future elections reflect their contributions and positive influence on the state’s political landscape.
The theme, “The Role of Women in Politics in the 21st Century,” highlighted the growing significance of women’s involvement in governance and decision-making processes. As political dynamics evolve, women are increasingly positioned as leaders who can drive societal change. The discussions reinforced the need for women to be equipped with knowledge, support, and opportunities to shape the political landscape effectively.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue working towards greater political inclusion and representation for women in Anambra State and beyond.
