Emmanuel Eze, PBA Journalism Mentee
To deepen gender inclusion in community administration, traditional ruler of Ikem-Uno in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Engr Okey Ogbodo, has appointed two women as members of his cabinet.
This move came barely one week after Ms Chimamanda Adichie, an award-winning author and global activist, was given a traditional title in her home town of Abba in Anambra State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIgwe Ogbodo made this known during the 2022 Ofala festival which held recently in his palace which also coincided with his 14th year anniversary on the throne.
In his address, the traditional ruler, who highlighted the role of women in community development, stressed the need for gender inclusion in society.
The Igwe stated that he had been working with members of the newly constituted cabinet for a while and having tested them, he was confident that together, they could move the community forward.
He said: “The traditional laws of the federal republic of Nigeria makes provisions for three female members per cabinet and as you can see today, I have appointed two women to show how gender friendly I am and also show that I trust women also.”
The celebrations started at 11am on December 30, with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Ikem, after which guests and awardees moved to the King’s Palace for the Ofala festival proper.
Highlights of the Ofala were investiture of chieftaincy titles to deserving individuals and friends of the community as well as installation of members of the new cabinet.
Speaking about the recipients of honorary chieftaincy titles, Ogbodo said: “We all have listened to their citations and can testify about their impact on the society; it is in recognition of this impact and the constitution which empowers me as the Igwe to award honorary chieftaincy titles on any son and daughter of any of the other south eastern states (Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra) that I, as the Igwe on behalf of the entire Ikem-Uno Community have decided to reward these worthy citizens with honorary chieftaincy titles.”
The women appointed into the cabinet include Chief Mrs. Florence Ogbodo, who was given the title of “Ada dioranma” and Mrs. Ogbodo Mercillina Nwakaego, who took the title of “Obi di ora mma 1 of Ikem Asokwa”.
Also, an illustrious daughter of Ikem, Mrs. Chizoba Patience Ofodu, was also granted an honorary chieftaincy title as Odibeze 1 of Ikem.
The newly constituted Igwe council is expected to help the king conduct the affairs of the community in their various clans, and actively work towards moving the community forward.
