By Ikenna Orioha
It was a funfare as Ukwuinyi Women Nkwerre Association (UKWNA), on Friday, held a fundraising ceremony to raise ₦500 million for the construction of an ultramodern event centre, purchase of a branded association bus, as well as the establishment of a youth empowerment fund.
The event, which was held at Ukwuinyi Village Square, Nkwerre, with the presentation of Awards of Excellence to 92 derserving personages, attracted prominent sons and daughters of Nkwerre from within Nigeria and the diaspora, including traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and members of various women organizations across the state.
Speaking, the President of UKWNA, Amb. Chika Uju (Onodugo), noted that the project was born out of the desire to create sustainable development opportunities for women and youths in Nkwerre, adding that the additional community hall project was designed to serve as a meeting and training facility for women and youths.
“While the ultramodern event centre will generate revenue for our association, the new community hall will be a space for skills training, seminars, health talks and leadership development programmes,” the
UKWNA president added.
Uju noted that the youth empowerment fund would provide vocational training support, starter grants and mentorship opportunities for young people, while the proposed association bus would enhance mobility during outreach and community programs.
Highlighting her administration’s scorecards which were the Official Registering of the Association as a Legal Entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) upon assumption, The Acquisition of Two Plots of Land for the Proposed Ultramodern Event Centre and the Maintenance of a Robust Cordial Relationship with the Men association, among others across boards, Uju thanked Ukwuinyi Women for entrusting her with the leadership of the association.
“However, our greatest achievement is that we have within this period maintained a very robust cordial relationship with our husbands, even when conflict is inevitable among human existence, because without peace we can not achieve nothing.
“At this point, I want to say a very big thank you to the entire Ukwuinyi Men through the able President General, Sir Kenneth Nwaneri and appeal for your continuous cooperation and support”.
With the Chairman, Planning Committee, Lolo Oluchi Nwaneri, lauding the women for their foresight and determination, saying the projects were initiated to not only empower the youth and women, but leave lasting legacies for future generations.
“These are not just buildings; they are investments in the people of Nkwerre. Every well-meaning son and daughter of this land should support this cause,” she said.
While, the Youth Leader of Ukwuinyi Village, Comr. Chinasa Joel Nwosu, hailed Ukwuinyi women for their resounding projects which he added had over time impacted the economic and physical development of the locality.
