••• Hon. John Ogbodo and wife celebrate August Meeting with Nkanu West women, promoting unity, culture, and Governor Mbah’s people-first leadership.
In a grand show of solidarity with women’s initiatives, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, and his wife, Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo, on Sunday joined women of the LGA in celebrating the 2025 August Meeting. The Chairman and his wife toured select churches across the council area to honour the contributions of women to community development and family cohesion.
The celebration saw the Ogbodo family visit Sacred Heart Parish, Akpugo; Holy Angels Parish, Ndiagu Obuno; and St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Agbani, where they were warmly received by jubilant congregations. The August Meeting, a cherished annual homecoming for women both in Nigeria and the diaspora, is renowned for fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and driving local development projects.
Speaking at Sacred Heart Parish, Hon. Ogbodo commended the women for their tireless efforts in nurturing families, driving grassroots development, and sustaining peace in the community. “The August Meeting is not just a cultural tradition; it is a movement of hope, progress, and togetherness. Our administration will continue to work hand-in-hand with our women to ensure that the values we hold dear are preserved and passed on to the next generation,” he said.
Mrs. Ngozi Ogbodo, who accompanied her husband throughout the visits, stressed the vital role of women in the socio-economic transformation of Nkanu West. “When you empower a woman, you empower an entire community,” she said. “This gathering is a testament to the strength, resilience, and vision of our women, and I am proud to stand with them as a partner in progress.”
In his remark, Rev. Fr. Ogbozo of Sacred Heart Parish and Rev Fr. Maurice Anieze of Holy Angels Parish praised the Chairman for his sustained interest in community well-being. “Hon. Ogbodo’s presence today is more than a courtesy visit – it is a reaffirmation of his commitment to the people…” “He understands that when women thrive, the entire society benefits,” they stated in their separate remarks.
Also speaking, the Methodist Bishop of Agbani Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. J.N. Okorie, lauded Hon. Ogbodo’s long-standing support to the church, noting that his contributions predate his assumption of office. “Your consistent support is evidence of genuine service. We assure you of our prayers and our readiness to partner with the government of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, in advancing the cause of the people,” the Bishop said.
A community leader from Akpugo, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwodo, described the August Meeting as a “strategic platform for grassroots development,” adding that Hon. Ogbodo’s presence demonstrated leadership that listens. “It reflects Governor Mbah’s people-first approach, where leaders engage with the very heart of the community,” she observed.
By actively participating in the August Meeting celebrations, the Nkanu West leadership aligns itself with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of people-centric governance – one that prioritizes unity, development, and cultural preservation. As the women of Nkanu West return to their respective communities inspired and empowered, the message from the Ogbodo family was clear: the August Meeting is not just a tradition; it is a catalyst for the sustainable growth and transformation of the LGA. GMTNewsng
