The annual August Meeting of the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State was more than a cultural convergence this year—it became a rallying point for moral reawakening, women empowerment, and family stability.
Chief Mrs. Mary Chinedu Ogah, wife of the Federal House of Representatives Member for Ikwo/Ezza South, turned the gathering into a platform for both material and moral support, distributing empowerment items worth millions of naira to women drawn from different communities.
Held at Blessed Martin’s International School of Science and Technology, Ohatekwe Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area, the 2025 August Meeting attracted dignitaries, women leaders, community stakeholders, and political officeholders who witnessed firsthand how tradition is being blended with modern social advocacy.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Ogah—fondly called Oso di eme—emphasized the virtue of faithfulness in marriage and family life. She urged women to embody peace, tolerance, and obedience as virtues that can transform homes and reduce domestic violence.
“A faithful woman represents self-reliance, peace, tolerance, and commitment to God’s grace. To train a woman is to train a nation. Women must be pillars of their families, always giving their best to ensure love and unity prevail in the home,” she said.
She called on mothers to model integrity and resilience, stressing that women have a divine responsibility to nurture the next generation through discipline, prayer, and love.
The lawmaker’s wife used the opportunity to commend the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Maudlin Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ogbanku), for advancing women’s inclusion in governance. She particularly praised the First Lady’s pet project—Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO)—for consistently reaching the elderly and the less privileged in rural communities.
According to her, the partnership between public office holders and grassroots women is essential in building stronger families and healthier societies.
Beyond speeches, the event featured activities that combined empowerment with entertainment and education. A free medical outreach offered health checks to women; Honeywell sponsored a cooking competition that attracted wide participation; while cultural dances and contests added colour to the day.
Most importantly, food and household items—including bags of rice, onions, and other essentials—were distributed to women as a form of direct economic support. Recognition awards were also presented to outstanding women groups and leaders who have contributed to community development.
The well-attended meeting had in attendance representatives of the Ebonyi First Lady led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezuruike; Ezza South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Euphemia Nwali; wife of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Flora Ije Odunwa; Vice Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Hon. Mrs. Chinasa Itumo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ilang Donatus; and leaders of women groups such as Adaikukuoma Women, Ebonyi Women in Mining, Unwada Ikwo Noyo, Women in Politics, and She Grows Her Food/AMCIN.
Traditionally a women’s cultural congress, the August Meeting in Ebonyi is now being repurposed into a forum for social orientation, economic empowerment, and spiritual renewal. By tying this year’s theme to faithfulness, Mrs. Ogah highlighted the fact that while empowerment provides material support, moral and spiritual virtues remain the foundation of sustainable family and community life.
As the event drew to a close, many participants left not only with physical items in their bags but with renewed conviction that unity, peace, and fidelity in homes are the true wealth of society.
By merging empowerment with advocacy for family values, Chief Mrs. Mary Chinedu Ogah has signaled that the destiny of a nation is tied to the strength of its women, and the faithfulness they bring into their families and communities.
