By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Esther Onyekesi, has inaugurated Engr. Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, FNSE, FNSChE, LKSC, JP, Ugosimba Nneoma Ojoto, as the new President General of the Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing.
The inauguration, which took place on August 22, 2026, at Ndiabor Hall, Ojoto Oboofia, Idemili South Local Government Area, also witnessed the swearing-in of other newly elected executive members of the women’s wing.
The event was attended by the traditional ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Ezeoranyelu Ojoto), members of his cabinet, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
Representing the Commissioner at the ceremony, the Head of Department, Mrs Bernice Uchendu, alongside the President of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Women Wing, Mrs Blessing Onuigwe, and the Women Development Officer for Idemili South LGA, Lady Oby Nwosu, charged the new executive to operate strictly within the constitution of the union.
They assured the women’s wing of the Ministry’s support whenever necessary.
‘A Call to Service’
In her acceptance speech, Nwafulugo, who is the immediate past Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, described her new responsibility as “a call to service.”
She thanked the traditional ruler, the Commissioner, community leaders and members of Ojoto Akanasato Women for the confidence reposed in her, promising to lead with integrity, fairness, transparency and commitment.
Nwafulugo said her administration would focus on unity, education, skills acquisition, women empowerment and sustainable community development.
“My vision is to build a united, empowered, educated, economically strong and socially responsible Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing that contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development of Ojoto,” she said.
She that her administration would ensure that every woman has a voice, every girl has access to learning, vulnerable women receive support and women seeking economic independence are equipped with practical assistance.
Scholarships, Skills Acquisition Top Agenda
According to her, education would receive special attention through the proposed Ojoto Women Education and Scholarship Programme for indigent students, particularly girls.
She also promised to introduce career guidance, mentoring and educational seminars by leveraging the expertise of professionals and entrepreneurs from Ojoto to prepare younger generations for the future.
Nwafulugo further pledged transparency and accountability in the management of the union’s resources and implementation of its programmes.
She called for partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners and Ojoto indigenes at home and abroad to support clearly defined and accountable projects.
The new President General urged members of the women’s wing to contribute their ideas, prayers and active participation towards the success of the administration.
Outgoing PG Hands Over Over N1m, Projects
The outgoing President General, Hon. Mrs Anthonia Okonkwo, was commended for her achievements during her tenure, including the construction of two mega cassava processing plants for Ojoto Uno and Ojoto Oboofia women.
As part of the transition, Okonkwo handed over official documents in her possession, alongside funds exceeding N1 million in the Ojoto Akanasato Women’s Union account.
She pledged to continue supporting the new executive whenever her assistance was required.
Traditional Ruler Tasks New Exco on Unity
Earlier, while breaking the kolanut, the traditional ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, blessed the women’s wing and charged the new leadership to pursue peace, unity and the overall development of the community.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Mayor of Idemili South, Hon. Ifeanyi Anakuba; President General of Ojoto Akanasato Town Union, High Chief Barr. Ernest Obunadike (Ichie Ezieke), represented by Chief Paul Agbafuna (Igede Ojoto); High Chief Romanus Anyisia (Ichie Obododike); and Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ilechukwu Egwuumumuo.
The dignitaries urged the new executive to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration and sustain initiatives that positively impact the lives of women across Ojoto.
New Executive
The newly inaugurated executive members are:
Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo — President General
Lady Dora Esimoneze — Vice President
Mrs. Ijeoma Onwuegbuna — Secretary
Mrs. Ubah Chinyere Ejikeme — Assistant Secretary
Mrs. Jovita Anichebe — Financial Secretary
Mrs. Chioma Ndulue — Treasurer
Mrs. Celina Ubah — Public Relations Officer
Mrs. Oluchi Nnoli — Provost
Mrs. Patience Okoye — Provost
Mrs. Anulika Anosa — Provost
The inauguration marked a new chapter for the Ojoto Akanasato Women Wing, with the new leadership pledging to combine unity, education and economic empowerment with purposeful community service.
Tags: Ojoto Akanasato Women, Francisca Nwafulugo, Anambra Women, Idemili South
