Prof. Chioma Nwakanma Leads Strong Advocacy for Women Empowerment at Abia Leadership Initiative Launch | WATCH VIDEO/PHOTOS

[caption id="attachment_192886" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Professor Chioma Nwakanma, Head of Department, Environmental Management and Toxicology at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Vice Chairperson of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigeria Chapter - Receives Award[/caption]

The ancient city of Umuahia witnessed a historic gathering on July 25, 2025, as the All Women for Good Leadership Initiative held its inaugural meeting and award ceremony, bringing together women of excellence, political leaders, scholars, and advocates for gender equity.

In what can only be described as a compelling and transformational event, Professor Chioma Nwakanma, Head of Department, Environmental Management and Toxicology at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Vice Chairperson of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigeria Chapter, delivered the keynote lecture titled: "Empowering Women for Good Leadership."

In her rich, research-driven lecture, Prof. Nwakanma dissected the deep-rooted challenges women face globally-from violence and cultural suppression to political exclusion and economic marginalization. She described empowerment as "a multidimensional social processÔÇØ that gives women the ability to take control of their own lives, influence their communities, and contribute to national development.

"When women are empowered, economies benefit from increased productivity, innovation, and diversification,ÔÇØ she noted.

The academic emphasized that women's empowerment spans five key dimensions: social, educational, economic, political, and psychological, calling for a holistic approach to building female leaders in all sectors.

Recognizing Champions of Leadership

The event was also an occasion to honour distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to good governance. One of the key awardees was Hon. Lucky Udoka Nweke Johnson, the Honourable Member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. His recognition was met with applause from attendees who praised his support for inclusive governance and women-led initiatives.

Other people that received the AMBASSADOR OF GOOD LEADERSHIP AWARD are; Sir Christian Iwe (USA based), Dr Samuel Uba Okorie, Dr Christian Ike(USA based), Hon. Dr. Michael Kasarachi Enyinna, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Professor Chioma Nwakamma, HOD Environmental Management and Toxicology MOUAU , Professor Nneoma Obasi. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike , Mrs Uchanma Harriet Igwe (USA based), Hon. Phina Ihuoma Kanu (Patron) , Chief Mrs Ngozi Oji(Patron), Chief Mrs.O.J Kanu (Patron) , Lady Vivian Irondi (Patron) , Dr. Agatha Ogbonnaya FCA (Patron), Mrs Ifeoma Nwachukwu , Ezinne Charity Frank , Elder Ngozi Ngele . Mrs Ruth Nneoma Kanu, Ezinne Ada U. Mba (USA based), Mrs Grace Emmanuel, Dr Mgbechi Nnennaya Kalu (USA based), Dr Amaka Onuoha, Lady Ngozi Vinitski (USA based) and Hon. Barrister Kaodichukwu Onuoha

The ceremony also drew the presence of the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, who lauded the movement for aligning with Governor Alex Otti's transformation agenda. Prof. Nwakanma praised the governor's free education policy, road infrastructure upgrades, and support for his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, whom she hailed as "a strong woman of courage and grace.ÔÇØ

Earlier in the event, the President and Convener of the initiative, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwachukwu, delivered a groundbreaking inaugural address that set the tone for the day.

"This initiative is more than a response to gender inequality,ÔÇØ she said. "It is a bold declaration: That women belong at the table. That women excel when given the tools. That women lead not from ego, but from essence.ÔÇØ

She emphasized the group's commitment to producing ethical female leaders who can lead homes, businesses, communities, and nations with integrity and purpose. The organisation has already been certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and plans to offer training, mentorship, networking, and annual awards to promote leadership excellence.

A Call to Action

Prof. Nwakanma urged all stakeholders to:

Recognize and promote female expertise

Encourage inclusiveness across all sectors

Build local and global partnerships

Provide support and mentorship to emerging women leaders

In her closing remarks, she posed five critical questions to the audience:

"What is empowerment? How can I be empowered? Why are mine empowered? What can I do with the empowerment? When should I activate my empowerment?ÔÇØ

The launch of All Women for Good Leadership Initiative signals a rising tide of bold, purpose-driven female leadership in Abia State-one that is set to impact governance and development for generations to come.