By Magnus Emuji
The need for women in any society to take their place in society and have an effective leadership institution designed to promote and enhance their welfare has been stressed.
A foremost community leader in Igbodo, Engr. Johnson Ogana stated this during his mother’s ascension as the oldest woman( ADA) of Umu-Igbeje in Idumu -Obior Igbodo, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ogana, who recalled that since 50 years ago, no woman in the community has d taken the Ada title when they were alive, adding that the customs and traditions of the area demand that whether dead or alive the title must be taken hence the need to perform it for their mother now that she was still alive.
Engr. Ogana described his mother as a virtuous and woman substance who had touched several lives, adding that it was always a good thing to celebrate one’s parents when they were alive rather than throw a lavish party at their burials.
He said that the mother gave them a good foundation in life, even as he appreciated well-wishers for finding time to identify with him and his family.
In their separate remarks, the President-General of Igbodo Development Union worldwide, Dcn. Mathew Okwuaje, the vice-chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Ogbogu and the president of Igbodo, Asaba branch, Mr Samuel Ndudi said that the day was important in the history of not only the women of the area, children but the community at large.
Dcn. Okwuaje specifically lauded Mrs Ogana for her contributions to the betterment of society and the Igbodo community, in particular, adding that the year 2022 would be a better year for the community.
Others who spoke including the Iyase of Igbodo kingdom, who is a younger brother of the celebrant, Chief ( Dr. ) Joseph Unomah and Mr Jude Ochiligwe Iloba who stated that Mrs Cecilia Ogana was kind-hearted and a very accommodating woman, stressing that the celebrant cared for her siblings especially when their father died.
Dr Unomah congratulated Mrs Ogana and prayed to God to give her the wisdom to lead the women even as he also prayed for the longevity of life.
Earlier, the celebrant and the new Ada of Idumu -Obior Igbodo, Madam. Cecilia Nwaonyebuosia Ogana thanked God Almighty for sparing her life and for making it possible for her to have taken the Ada title.
Mrs Ogana, who promised to operate an open-door policy and carry the women along in the scheme of things said that it was an opportunity for her to contribute more towards the upliftment of women in the area.
