Ikwuano August Meeting: Ossy Nwaka Backs Women’s Empowerment, Political Participation

By Charity Uwakwe

Former Ikwuano mayor Ossy Nwaka has delivered a strong message to women at the annual August Meeting, urging them to reject the sidelines and take a more active role in politics, family and community development.

The Ikwuano August Meeting is an annual gathering where women from communities across Ikwuano come together to discuss empowerment, political participation, welfare and community development. Ossy Nwaka has urged women to remain united and take an active role in building their families and communities.

At a colourful Ikwuano August Meeting, Hon. Osinachi Nwaka, popularly known as Ossy Nwaka, has called for greater empowerment and political participation of women, describing them as the bedrock of society.

Nwaka, the Director-General of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and former Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, spoke, yesterday at the council’s headquarters, during this year’s annual August Meeting held under the theme, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive.”

He described the annual gathering as an important platform for women from different communities in Ikwuano to unite, discuss issues affecting them and contribute to the development of their communities.

According to Nwaka, the August Meeting goes beyond celebration, as it provides an opportunity to address women’s empowerment, political participation and other issues affecting their welfare.

Nwaka: Women must take active role in society

Nwaka recalled that similar initiatives were supported during his tenure as Mayor of Ikwuano, when women from different villages were encouraged to come together and deliberate on issues affecting them.

He also commended the present administration for its efforts to reach out to women and encourage their participation in governance and the political process.

He said women should not be relegated to the background, stressing that their voices and concerns must be recognised and addressed.

“Women are the bedrock of society. There is no society that can thrive in politics, family or in anything without women.”

Nwaka stressed the importance of respecting and supporting women, noting that women play central roles in families and communities.

He said the political process should also provide opportunities for women to identify their needs and have those needs properly addressed.

‘Empowering women means empowering society’

Speaking on the theme, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive,” Nwaka described it as a clear message about the need to invest in women.

He explained that empowering women does not only benefit individual women but also strengthens families and society.

“When a woman is fully empowered and healthy and sound, the husband receives better support, the women and the children receive better support,” he said.

Nwaka therefore described women’s empowerment as an investment in the wider society.

“Empowering women is like empowering the society.”

The former Ikwuano mayor also described women as increasingly industrious and capable of making significant contributions to political, economic and social development.

He said a society where women are adequately supported would be better positioned to achieve meaningful and sustainable development.

Nwaka dismisses fears over August Meeting

Nwaka also dismissed rumours that some women return from August Meetings with illnesses or misfortunes allegedly linked to envy or spiritual attacks.

He said such beliefs were inconsistent with his faith.

“My faith does not allow me to believe in those diabolical philosophies or hypotheses.”

Rather than focusing on such fears, Nwaka urged women to see the annual gathering as an opportunity to reconnect with their communities and contribute to the common good.

He said women living within and outside Ikwuano should continue to return home, unite and participate in initiatives that promote community development.

According to him, the true purpose of the August Meeting should remain centred on unity, women’s empowerment, mutual support and community development.

Nwaka, who is also an architect, reaffirmed his solidarity with the women, stressing that despite no longer serving as mayor of Ikwuano, his commitment to issues affecting women remains unwavering.