Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called for greater inclusion of women in government, particularly in the State House of Assembly, while approving the erection of monuments to celebrate the contributions of Abia women.
Speaking on Wednesday in Onu-Igbere, Bende Local Government Area during the burial of Mrs. Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, Otti emphasized that the push for recognition of women is long overdue. He described Abia women as historically significant and urged both legislators and women themselves to ensure increased representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I want to challenge all of us, particularly members of the State House of Assembly, where there is no woman sitting. Today, 24 of you are men. We need to find some women in the House. Even if we start with 4 out of 24, that would be better than zero,” Otti said.
He also expressed condolences to Mr. Ibekwe on the loss of his wife, describing her as a “gift from God” whose life radiated love, devotion, and an enduring spiritual legacy. “We are thanking God for the gift of this woman lying here today. A special privilege that we had her in the first place,” Otti said.
Earlier, tributes from the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, and friends highlighted the late Chiamaka Ibekwe’s virtuous character, devotion to prayer, and positive impact on her family and community. In her sermon, Rev. Mrs. Oyiks Alfred of the Word Base Assembly reminded mourners to grieve with hope, noting that those who follow Christ have the promise of eternal life.
In his remarks, Nnamdi Ibekwe described his late wife as selfless and remarkable, appealing to Governor Otti to immortalize the legacy of Abia women through monuments—a request the governor approved. He also cited the historical contributions of Abia women, tracing back to the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot, as foundational to the state’s progress.
Mrs. Chiamaka Ibekwe, 46, is survived by her husband, four children, and a large extended family. The funeral drew dignitaries including Governor Otti’s wife, Priscilla Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, commissioners, the Mayor of Bende, traditional rulers, and other prominent figures.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment