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ABUJA — The women’s wing of the Nzuko Edda socio-cultural organisation, Nde Inyom Edda Abuja, has held its second annual Women’s Day celebration, bringing together sons and daughters of Edda and other distinguished guests in a colourful gathering that celebrated womanhood, cultural heritage and community development.

The event, held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at City Park, Wuse 2, Abuja, was themed “Women of Purpose: Empowered to Make a Difference.” It attracted dignitaries from different parts of the country and featured inspiring speeches, cultural exhibitions and awards recognising outstanding contributions to society.

In her keynote address, the President of Nde Inyom Edda, Elder Mrs. Elem Udensi Orji, described women as indispensable pillars of society whose sense of purpose has the power to transform families, communities and nations.

According to her, a purposeful woman becomes a catalyst for positive change by influencing lives through leadership, resilience and service.

“When a woman discovers her purpose, she influences her world. She becomes a force that shapes families, communities and nations,” she said.

She urged women not to allow societal expectations to limit their aspirations, stressing that true empowerment begins with recognising one’s God-given potential rather than waiting for external validation.

Mrs. Udensi Orji also highlighted the achievements of women in science, education, business and the creative sector, while acknowledging the social, economic and cultural barriers many women continue to confront. She commended their resilience and encouraged them to remain focused on making meaningful contributions to society.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of State for Health, Hon. Barr. Joseph Ekuma Nkama, paid glowing tribute to women, describing them as the foundation of every stable family and an indispensable force in nation-building.

He said while men traditionally provide for the family, women play the critical role of nurturing homes, strengthening communities and preserving societal values.

“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 stated.

The event also witnessed the attendance of the representative of the Member representing Edda/Afikpo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey, who was represented by his son, Igariwey Igariwey, alongside his mother, Chief Mrs. Florence Igariwey.

Their presence was widely seen as a demonstration of appreciation for the enduring support the Edda community has continued to extend to the lawmaker throughout his political journey.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Mrs. Florence Igariwey expressed gratitude to the women of Edda for their unwavering commitment to the community and disclosed that provision had been made in the federal budget for the construction of a dedicated Nde Edda Hall in Abuja.

She expressed optimism that future gatherings of the association would be held in its own permanent facility.

“The next time we gather, it shall be in our hall,” she declared to loud applause from participants.

Beyond the speeches, the celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Edda people through an exhibition of traditional delicacies, including Egburu-egbu, Okasi, Ona, Azuma and Ofo-Oso.

The association also unveiled its customised wrapper, symbolising unity, identity and pride among members.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals from various sectors in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community development and public service. The recipients expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were immediate past Presidents of Nzuko Edda Abuja Branch, Chief Odogwu Ama Ama Ibom and Prince Oliver Chima, as well as Chief Chima Uma Chima, Mrs. Nwakaego Chukwu Akpa, Mrs. Jennifer Okunboye, alongside several other prominent sons and daughters of Edda.

The celebration reinforced the commitment of Nde Inyom Edda Abuja to promoting women’s empowerment, preserving Edda cultural heritage and strengthening unity within the community.