IWD: Some Interesting Facts About Anambra And Women…

This short piece is inspired by the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration — “Inspire Inclusion”.

While this is apt, I want to argue that the crafters of this year’s theme must have understudied Anambra, and for me, this is a charge to others to “be like Anambra”.

First, Governor Soludo upon securing the people’s mandate in November 2021, appointed a woman, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, to Chair the joint Transition Committee that prepared the ground work for a seamless takeoff of his administration.

Today, in Anambra, we have women in strategic positions doing well across all indices of performance. The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is a Woman, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje. The Head of the Anambra State Civil Service is a Woman, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe MNI, is a woman. The Commissioner who superintends over the Budget and Economic Planning of the State is a Woman, Ms. Chiamaka Nnake. The very dreadful Ministry of Transport is manned by one unassuming achiever, Mrs Patricia Igwebuike. The Commissioner for Special Duties, is a doyen of Legislative dexterity as a three time House of Assembly Member, Mrs Beverly Nkemdiche Ikpeazu.

Of course, the ace Broadcaster and astute grassroot general, Mrs Ifeyinwa Obinabo is the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs. Have I mentioned that the Commissioner for Education is the seasoned Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh? You also should know that the Heads of the Anambra State Universal Education Board and the Post-Primary School Service Commission are Women — Dr Vera Nwadinobi and Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu respectively.

The groundbreaking Solution Innovation District (SID) currently leading the charge to develop the Anambra Digital Tribe and create the Africa version of the Silicon Valley in Anambra is Headed by a woman, Ms. Chinwe Okoli. As at today in Anambra, over 85% of her Teachers are women (Primary and Secondary schools). The State Civil service is dominated by Women with over 65% of the Anambra civil servants being women.

You can add others…

What this shows is simple, Anambra is already INSPIRING INCLUSION, and at this rate, I am very certain that the women folk hold both the present and the future of the State already.

Happy International Women’s Day!!!

 

 

 

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara