Event themed “Women of Purpose: Empowered to Make a Difference” draws dignitaries from across Nigeria
Eze Sampson, Abuja
— The Nde Inyom Edda, women’s wing of the Nzuko Edda socio-cultural organisation, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, held its second annual Women’s Day celebration at City Park, Wuse 2, Abuja, bringing together men and women from across the country in a powerful affirmation of womanhood, heritage, and purpose.
The event, which has grown into a landmark gathering on the Edda community calendar, drew applause for its blend of inspiring oratory, cultural showcase, and community recognition.
A Woman of Purpose is a Force
Delivering the keynote address, the President of Nde Inyom Edda, Elder Mrs. Elem Udensi Orji, described the woman as an indispensable pillar of society, whose discovery of purpose sets off an irreversible chain of transformation.
“When a woman discovers a purpose, she influences her world. She becomes a force that shapes families, communities, and nations,” she said, adding that empowerment is not about waiting for permission but about recognising one’s own capacity.
Mrs. Udensi Orji drew attention to women across fields such as science, education, business, and the arts who have used their voices to challenge injustice and their skills to create lasting solutions. She also acknowledged the social, economic, and cultural barriers many women continue to face, while celebrating their resilience in overcoming them.
“Do not minimise your voice or shrink your dreams to fit the expectations of others. The world does not need a perfect woman but a purposeful one,” she urged attendees.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Barr. Joseph EkumaNkama, former Minister of State for Health, praised the women as the bedrock of both the family and the larger society, stating that no man who understands this truth would ever take women for granted.
“In any family where there is no woman, that family will not have a balanced foundation. As men, ours is to provide — but it takes women to organise the family, and you go further by organising the larger community,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Member of the House of Representatives representing Edda and Afikpo Federal Constituency, was represented by his son, Igariwey Igariwey, accompanied by his mother, Chief Mrs. Florence Igariwey. Their attendance was received as a deeply symbolic gesture of gratitude for the Nde Edda community’s unwavering support, a relationship that has seen Hon. Igariwey return to the National Assembly three consecutive times.
Chief Mrs. Florence Igariwey, visibly moved, told the gathering she had come with her son specifically to honour Inyom Edda, describing her ties to the group as deep and enduring.
In a highlight of the evening, she announced that Hon. Iduma Igariwey has made provision in the federal budget for a dedicated hall for Nde Edda in Abuja which means future gathering may be hosted in a permanent home belonging to the association.
“The next time we gather, it shall be in our hall,” she said, to rousing applause.
Culture, Awards, and Community
The event also served as a vibrant celebration of Edda cultural identity. Guests enjoyed an exhibition of traditional Edda delicacies including Egburu-egbu, Okasi, Ona, Azuma, and Ofo-Oso, while the occasion also saw the formal launch of the association’s customised wrapper which is a symbol of collective identity and pride.
Among the dignitaries present were the immediate past Presidents of Nzuko Edda Abuja branch Chief Odogwu Ama Ama Ibom, Prince Oliver Chima. Others were Chief Chima Uma Chima, Mrs Nwakaego Chukwu Akpa, Mrs Jennifer Okunboye and others.
A special awards segment honoured individuals across various fields for their exemplary contributions, with recipients expressing deep gratitude for the recognition.