AWKA — The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano today marked International Women’s Day by unveiling her biography which is written by Emeka Ozumba, her media aide, who doubles as the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
The book entitled, “Ebelechukwu Obiano: Anambra’s First Lady of the Grassroots”, is a collection of Mrs. Obiano’s modest efforts to reach the unreached in the society as the governor’s wife through her NGO called CAFÉ. It also is a recollection of her childhood memories, as well as her warm relationship with her husband, Willie Obiano, the governor of Anambra State long before 2013 when Obiano came to contest for the Anambra governorship election.
The book was presented by Chief Akai Egwuonwu, Chairman of Stein Industries Ltd. Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, professor of English language, was the book reviewer. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Nonso Okafor, HOon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, Transition Chairmen of Oyi and Nnewi South Local Governments, wife of APGA National Chairman, wife of APGA State Chairman, APGA Woman Leader, among others were in attendance.
Speaking after the book launch, Mrs. Obiano thanked women who gathered at the venue, Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, for the book launch and to mark International Women’s Day. “You helped me all the way since 2014. Today will be my last meeting with you to mark women’s day, as the wife of the governor of Anambra State”, she said. According to the governor’s wife, until 2013, she has not always known Anambra State, but it has been a worthwhile experience.
“I have not always known Anambra State until 2013. I grew up in Lagos; we do come back and stay for not more than 10 days. But this my husband’s call to service brought me home to know my people and I am glad about my experience.”
Commenting on the rejection of the gender-based affirmative action by the National Assembly, Mrs. Obiano urged the National Assembly to pass the gender bill, declaring that “Nigerian women matter a great deal”. While urging women to take an active part in politics, she also affirmed that “female representation in political spaces matters. Don’t be frightened, don’t relegate yourself to the background”, Mrs. Obiano advised.
Excited Anambra First Lady happily announced that her husband and herself are leaving Anambra better than they met. She also used the opportunity to inform the hundreds of women gathered that she is contesting for senate in the coming election. “I want to use this opportunity to tell you that I am vying for senate… I have thought about it and prayed about it… my husband has given me the go-ahead”. Seeking their support, Mrs. Obiano said, “There is no way I can get there without your support”. She also urged the women to support the incoming governor and his wife, just as they have supported her and her husband over the years.
The high point of the event was the distribution of empowerment materials and seed capital to different groups who have been trained by her NGO in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs, whose Commissioner Ndidi Mezue was spoken highly of, by Mrs. Obiano.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
