By Tony Ezike
The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has honoured renowned philanthropist and community leader, Chief Dr. Nkoli Imoh (Adadioramma), with an award of recognition and formally installed her as the Matron of the Association, in appreciation of her outstanding humanitarian, socio-economic and educational interventions across Anambra State.
The ceremony, which took place in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, was led by the President of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke, alongside key stakeholders, members of the Elders Council and other representatives of the association. Dr. Imoh was celebrated for her consistent support to the poor, vulnerable groups and her unwavering commitment to educational advancement within and beyond Anambra State.
In his address, Prince Nweke described Anambra as “one of the best states to live in Nigeria,” commending the conducive environment created for non-indigenes, particularly through the free education policy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
He announced that ANIAS would partner with the Soludo administration on an initiative tagged “Education for Our Future,” aimed at sensitising non-indigenes on the value of education and ensuring their children fully benefit from the state’s free education programme.
He expressed concern over the persistent practice of child hawking during school hours, stressing that such activities must be discouraged now that access to education is no longer hindered by financial constraints. According to him, Dr. Imoh’s installation as Matron would further strengthen efforts to take non-indigenes off the streets through joint programmes with her foundation.
“She is the first woman to be appointed Matron of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State. Her works speak for her, and we are confident that she will add immense value to our mission,” Prince Nweke stated.
Also speaking, a member of the Elders Council, Dr. Balami Daniel, disclosed that the association has been seeking strategic partnerships and funding to produce educational materials such as exercise books and school bags for underprivileged children across various parts of the state. He described Dr. Imoh as “a woman of capacity,” noting that the objectives of her NGO align seamlessly with those of ANIAS, and called for sustained collaboration.
The Youth Leader of the association, Chief Godwin Otu (Ochiagha), commended Dr. Imoh for her positive impact on non-indigenes, noting that they continue to enjoy peaceful coexistence with their host communities. He described the Igbo people as accommodating and business-oriented, affirming the association’s total support for Dr. Imoh.
He further remarked that her capacity and influence are needed in public office, assuring that should she choose to contest, the youths would mobilise massively to support her.
In her response, Dr. Nkoli Imoh (Adadioramma) expressed profound gratitude to ANIAS for the honour. She revealed that plans are underway to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Adadioramma Foundation, which boasts over 50,000 members and operates across Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia States.
She described the association’s education initiative as noble and urged members to remain committed to humanitarian service while shunning negative influences.
Dr. Imoh also highlighted some of the foundation’s achievements, including the construction of houses for widows over the years, and reaffirmed her resolve to continue uplifting the less privileged. She further called on women to rise to their responsibilities in building a safe, inclusive society where no one is left behind.
In a vote of thanks, ANIAS Vice President I, Muhammad Jidda, expressed satisfaction with the harmonious relationship between non-indigenes and their host communities in Anambra State. He thanked Dr. Imoh for her unwavering support and encouraged her to sustain her life-changing interventions among the less privileged.
