By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The women of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State have brought the curtains down on their 2023 August Meeting with lips filled with recognition and commendation. The event, vibrant and rich in tradition, did not only mark the conclusion of a cherished annual gathering but also became the stage for appreciating the State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his developmental strides in the community and the local government area of the State.

The occasion, which proved to be a harmonious blend of recognition, celebration, and a shared vision for progress, also set the stage for the people to celebrate and honor one of their own and Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, for his enduring commitment and remarkable contributions to the community's development.

With the sun casting its golden hues over the gathering, Enugwu-Otu Aguleri painted a picture of recognition and appreciation as they bestowed the Commissioner with the award of “Eji Ama Atụ Enugwu-Otu”.

With a voice rich in history, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Ejimofor, who presented the award on behalf of the women, recounted Commissioner Chukwuemeka's journey, starting from the time before he became a commissioner when he was already contributing to the community's development. The traditional ruler's narrative painted a vivid picture of dedication, underscoring how Commissioner Chukwuemeka's commitment has been woven into the fabric of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri's progress.

In a heartfelt response after receiving the prestigious 'Eji Ama Atụ' award, Commissioner Chukwuemeka, whose words resonated with gratitude and humility, commended the women and the entire community for deeming him worthy of such an honor. With a touch of nostalgia, he shared anecdotes of his early life in the village, highlighting the journey he embarked upon and the challenges he faced. His journey, he revealed, was one of dedication, obstacles, and unwavering commitment.

As his voice filled the air, Commissioner Chukwuemeka, who was also the Chairman of the Occasion, pledged to continue offering his best to the development of his community. He acknowledged that his roots were forever tied to Enugwu-Otu Aguleri and that the community's development and progress were of great concern to him.

Going further, he highlighted some of the developmental strides undertaken in the area by the current administration in the State. These, according to him, include equipping the recently-dedicated Enugwu-Otu Aguleri Comprehensive Health Centre with medical personnel and providing a solar-powered borehole to the people of the community, among other initiatives and gestures.

He also revealed that plans and designs were already underway to fulfill the Governor's promise of continuing and completing the Aguleri-Otu Road from the Enugwu-Otu Axis after this year's rainy season. These, according to him, are clear testimonies that the Governor loves and has the interests of the people at heart.

While calling on the people to rally behind the Governor's vision, the Commissioner commended the community's leadership, especially the Women's Wing, for their various efforts and contributions in propelling the development of the community. He also advised the women to remain participatory and active in the community's developmental activities.

Engr. Chukwuemeka, who facilitated the provision of a motorcycle, television, wrappers, and other consolation prizes presented to the winners of the Uyaka competition by the women of the community, also emphasized the need for people to continue upholding and promoting their culture.

Earlier, during the kola nut breaking ceremony, the Traditional Ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Ejimofor, praised Governor Soludo's developmental efforts in the community and commended him for appointing their son as Commissioner in his administration. He described this as well-deserved and a dream come true for the community.

He also commended the Commissioner for his efforts in facilitating development in the community, describing him as a proud son of the community and a torchbearer of development.

While thanking the Governor for also making healthcare services free at the Aguleri-Otu Comprehensive Health Centre and for providing a solar-powered borehole for the community, the monarch pleaded with the government to also complete the ongoing reconnection and provision of electricity for the community.

In an interview with newsmen, the President-General of the Women's Wing of the Enugwu-Otu Development Union, Dr. Mrs. Iwuno Juliana Onyedikachukwu, gave an overview of the event. According to her, they used the August Meeting to deliberate on issues affecting them as women, discuss being responsible and virtuous women, and explore how they can contribute meaningfully to the development of the community.

The woman PG, who appreciated the women for coming out en masse, also highlighted some of the things achieved by the Women's Union under her leadership. She also expressed concern for the construction of an event hall/recreational center, seeking the collective support of the people to complete it in record time.

The event featured Uyaka, a cultural dance competition among the women, with each of the seven kindreds in Enugu-Otu represented by a woman. The Uyaka dance, which celebrates the community's rich culture, was won by Mrs. Ndidi Nnameke, as she thrilled the audience with her outstanding performance and received a motorcycle and cash for fuel as a token of her victory.

The first runner-up in the competition won a television, while the second runner-up received wrappers, among other consolation prizes. The event also included a cultural dance competition among young daughters of the community, which was won by Miss Favour Peter, who received cash of N10,000 and a secondary school scholarship as her prize. The first and second runners-up also received cash prizes for showcasing their talents.

Amidst the dynamic interplay of tradition and progress, this event illuminates a path where unity, heritage, and a collective commitment weave a brighter future for Enugwu-Otu Aguleri.