Aboh Mbaise Women Celebrate 2026 August Meeting Grand Finale, Promote Culture and Development
By Dike Godspower Dike
The 2026 Aboh Mbaise Women August Meeting Grand Finale ended on a colourful note on Thursday, with women from the twelve wards gathering at the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Council Headquarters to celebrate culture, unity and community development.
The event brought together political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers and their wives, community leaders, women’s groups, youths and other stakeholders from across Aboh Mbaise and Imo State.
The grand finale featured cultural displays, lectures, a march-past, drama, a fashion show, prayers, and an empowerment programme for indigent women.
Among the political dignitaries were APC Senatorial Candidate, Prince Alex Mbata, represented by Chief Charles Ogu; APC candidate for the Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Barr. Ngozi Pat Ekeji; Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie, member and candidate for Aboh Mbaise State Constituency; and Sir Tony Awusaku, Aboh Mbaise APC Local Government Party Chairman.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, congratulated the women for successfully concluding the August Meeting and commended them for their unity, resilience and commitment to preserving the annual tradition.
He said his administration remained committed to programmes that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for women and youths, citing the recent empowerment of farmers’ cooperative groups with cash, seeds and seedlings to support agricultural activities.
Barr. Alaribe encouraged the women to remain actively involved in education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship and other initiatives that promote community development. He also appreciated Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, and his wife, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, for their support for women and development initiatives.
Delivering the lecture, the Chairperson of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Lady Theodora Alaribe, spoke on the theme, “Threads of Tradition, Voices of Progress” — “Udo Ọdịnala, Olu Ịga-n’ihu.”
She explained that the theme reflects the need to preserve valuable cultural traditions while embracing innovation, progress, and development in the communities.
Lady Theodora noted that language, dressing, food, marriage practices, farming, greetings, respect for elders, festivals, music, dance, storytelling and communal relationships are important aspects of the people’s heritage which must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
She, however, stressed that society must examine inherited practices and retain those that promote human dignity and development while reforming or discarding harmful ones.
She urged women to channel their collective strength into cooperatives, entrepreneurship, girls’ education, healthcare awareness, cultural preservation and the use of technology.
Another highlight was the decoration and recognition of APC candidates, including Prince Alex Mbata, Barr. Ngozi Pat Ekeji and Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie. The women offered prayers for the candidates and expressed support for their success in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of Prince Alex Mbata, Chief Charles Ogu said the PAM Foundation remained committed to humanitarian activities and empowering people, assuring the women of continued support.
Barr. Ngozi Pat Ekeji urged the women to take the lessons from the lecture back to their communities, particularly in preserving valuable traditions while embracing positive innovations. She also called for greater attention to children’s health and ensuring that eligible children receive necessary vaccinations.
Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie thanked the women for their support and pledged to promote legislation and programmes that would contribute to the development of Aboh Mbaise.
Speaking on behalf of the APC, the Aboh Mbaise APC Local Government Party Chairman, Sir Tony Awusaku, commended the women for their unity and peaceful celebration, describing them as an important force in the development of the local government.
Sir Awusaku urged the women to continue supporting programmes and leaders committed to the development of Aboh Mbaise, while calling for greater unity within the party and among the people. He said the APC remained committed to grassroots mobilisation, empowerment and development, and expressed confidence that the party would continue to receive the support of the people.
The celebration also featured a colourful march-past by women from the 12 wards in traditional attire, alongside drama, fashion displays and other cultural performances.
The event provided an opportunity for the women to reconnect, strengthen community bonds and celebrate the cultural values that have sustained Aboh Mbaise over the years.
Among those present were Vice Chairman, High Chief Donatus Nnamdi Anyanwu; Chief Charles Ogu, Apex leader,, Aboh Mbaise APC; Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Umunnakwe; Majority Leader, Hon. Emma Anyanwu; Chief Whip, Hon. Chinonye Nwogu; Hon Anderson Elugwara; Hon Chris Anyanwu; Hon Ugonna Ihenaka; Hon Bob Ufomadu; Hon Chinwendu Ihenachor; Hon Odoemene Magnus; Mrs. Ifeoma Eke-Njoku, Special Adviser to the Governor on Small and Medium Enterprises; Hon. Ambrose Nwogwugwu; Chief Bon Erege; Oke Nze Julian Nwogu; Hon. Ogbonna Ekperi, councillors, supervisors and other stakeholders.
