The event drew medical professionals, government representatives and development partners across the state, including the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma.
In her valedictory speech, the outgoing president, Dr. Lilian Nwobashi, expressed deep gratitude to members of the association for what she described as a collective achievement.
She highlighted major milestones recorded under her leadership, including statewide schistosomiasis campaigns executed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, as well as extensive radio and television sensitization efforts.
According to her, the association distributed “more than 3,000 personal hygiene packs to schoolgirls and over 400 dignity kits to survivors of gender-based violence. MWAN Ebonyi also carried out multiple screening programmes for residents, covering cervical and prostate cancer, hepatitis B and C, hypertension, obesity and breast examinations, including self-breast examination training.”
Dr. Nwobashi added that the chapter produced over 82 radio programmes and 28 television broadcasts aimed at improving public health awareness. She further disclosed that MWAN Ebonyi successfully hosted the association’s national secretariat in the state for the first time — a development she described as historic.
She expressed appreciation to her executive team for their loyalty, dedication and support throughout the biennium, noting that every milestone achieved was “a collective victory.”
In her acceptance remarks, the new president, Dr. Uche-Nwidagu, described her emergence as both an honour and a divine assignment. She pledged to uphold ethical leadership, integrity and excellence as she leads the association into a new phase.
Announcing the theme for the event, e disclosed : “Empowering Community Health: Transforming Women and Children’s Well-Being Through Ethical Leadership,” and the sub-theme: “One MWAN, One Vision; Empowering Communities, Uplifting Women and Children, Advancing Ethical Leadership.”
Dr. Uche-Nwidagu said the theme represents a renewed call to action, stressing that MWAN is more than an organisation but “a movement and a force for transformation.” She promised to strengthen collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, donor agencies and community-based organisations to expand the impact of MWAN’s programmes across the state.
Earlier, Dr. Maria-Lauretta Orji delivered a lecture harping on the role of ethical leadership in transforming community health. She noted that women and children remain the most vulnerable groups in society and emphasised the importance of values-driven leadership in improving health outcomes.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities including Prof. Uzoamaka Vivian Muoneke, Arc. Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, Rt. Hon. Anayo Edwin Nwonu, Deaconess Nweze Chinwe Irene, and Chizoba Nwancho, Esq., for their service and contributions to community health in the state.
The event ended with renewed commitment from members and well wishers, including the Chief Medical Director of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Prof. Uzoma MaryRose Agwu, as well as the husband of the newly installed president, Barr. Uchenna Nwidagu, who encouraged the executive members and promised to support the new leadership in advancing women and children’s health in Ebonyi State.
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