Otti pledges to immortalise Aba Women’s Riot heroines with monuments in Abia, citing the need to recognise historic women and promote greater inclusion in governance.
Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has announced plans to approve monuments in honour of the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising and other historic women in Abia State.
Otti disclosed this during the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the lawmaker representing Bende North State Constituency, Mr. Nnamdi Ibekwe, in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area.
The governor said the honour would recognise the heroic women for their contributions to society and history, adding that such recognition would encourage women who have played vital roles in societal development.
“I want to thank the honourable member for the request he made here because the request was not about him and it was not even about Chiamaka, it was about Abia women from inception.
“Our women have always been great women. If you do not know, then you do not know history,” Otti said.
He noted that women had not received adequate recognition despite their contributions and assured that the proposal would not only be considered but approved.
The governor added that the gesture would encourage women who toil daily to sustain homes, businesses and the wider society.
According to him, women remain central to food production, children’s education and economic stability and must be accorded due recognition.
Otti also lamented the absence of female lawmakers in the Abia State House of Assembly and advocated greater inclusion of women in governance.
He described the late Mrs. Ibekwe as a divine gift and urged mourners not to grieve like those without hope, expressing confidence that she was in a better place.
In an emotional tribute, Mr. Nnamdi Ibekwe described his late wife as his “paragon of peace” and “tranquilliser,” whose presence radiated calmness and godliness.
He renewed his earlier motion in the House of Assembly seeking monuments to honour historic women, particularly the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising.
“Your Excellency, I want to request that monuments be erected in honour of the heroines of 1929. If you do this, Chiamaka will rest in peace,” he said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghaukwa, described the deceased as a virtuous woman, mentor and role model whose absence would create a significant void.
On behalf of the wives of members of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Eucharia Okezie described the late Mrs. Ibekwe as a prayerful woman who shared the message of Christ among colleagues.
In her sermon, Pastor Mrs. Oyiks Alfred of Word Based Assembly urged mourners not to grieve like those without hope and encouraged them to reflect on their lives.
Earlier, the second son of the deceased, Master Chimezirim Ibekwe, described his mother as a devoted wife, loving mother and quiet philanthropist whose legacy lives on through the many lives she impacted.
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