By Chukwuka Ugokwe
As part of activities marking the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in the United States, publishers have unveiled the second edition of Emptistory of Esteemed Women, celebrating distinguished women with outstanding records of achievement.
The compendium, edited by Prof. Adaeze JUNi Menakaya and Dr. Prescila Juwah, was unveiled during a side event of the First Ladies Becoming High-Level Forum.
Among those honoured was the late Hon. Mrs. Theresa Uduego Nworah, a prominent figure in the history of the Omabala region of Anambra State, comprising six local government areas.
Nworah was a pioneering Nigerian political leader, educator and advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region.
She rose to prominence in the mid-1980s after breaking significant gender and social barriers to become the first elected female councillor in the entire Omabala area, representing Umunya at Otuocha, the headquarters of the council area.
She contested as an independent candidate in a non-party election and defeated her male opponents at a time when women’s participation in politics was extremely limited, earning her the nickname “Iron Lady.”
Her image was featured prominently on the front cover of the second edition of the compendium unveiled in the United States.
Speaking at the unveiling, one of the editors, Prof. Ambassador Adaeze JUNi Menakaya, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation for Africa to the United Nations, described the late Nworah as a mentor who inspired her and provided support that contributed to her academic advancement.
Menakaya said Nworah, despite being a Grade Two teacher, made significant contributions to the development of education in the Omabala area.
According to her, Nworah was involved in efforts that contributed to the establishment of commercial schools and vocational training centres in the region.
About five women from different countries are featured in the second edition of Emptistory of Esteemed Women, following the publication of the first edition in 2024.
The third edition of the compendium is scheduled for publication in 2028.
Acknowledging the contributions of women to societal development, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the forum brought together esteemed women committed to promoting long-term progress in their respective nations.
“New York greatly appreciates the many outstanding women who have contributed their time and talents to strengthening our state and bringing similar prosperity to the rest of the world,” Hochul said.
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