Impact and achievements of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) were spotlighted as friends and well-wishers including top government officials gathered to celebrate its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, on her birthday.
They lauded the immeasurable contributions of the non-government organization to the development of the state especially in the area of taxation.
On the occasion which also marked the official opening of SIDEC’s new office in Awka, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, expressed delight with the impact of SIDEC’s work in Anambra State.
“SIDEC is a great NGO helping the society to grow. I specially appreciate your Tax for Service project.
“Ugochi is a reliable ally to our ministry – a very lovable person everybody wants to have.
“As the coordinating ministry, we cherish the value she adds to our programmes and activities.
“Ugochi is not only known in Anambra state but worldwide lady. Out trip to Abuja made me appreciate her worth the more.
Also, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu remarked “I think she has done it for her life.
“When I came into that ministry, this is one person who has helped me. In fact, I am still learning some things from her.
“Opening a new office of SIDEC very close to us is very good. It will deepen our working relationship. She is an eagle and she will always fly.
She described her as a role model and one of the partners she can rely on at all times.
Immense energy and capacity
Speaking on behalf of Association of Civil Societies South East Zone, Prof Dennis Aribodor, extolled the immense energy and capacity she has demonstrated within the short time they have worked together.
“SIDEC is a member of coalition and Ugochi is part of us. I have only worked closely with Ugochi for less than a year. But I can tell you that she is a courageous and bold woman. She can deliver on any mandate whatsoever.
The celebrant and Executive Director SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, had earlier shared the mandate and activities of the organization with her guests.
“SIDEC is a registered Non-Governmental Organization that is into strategic research and advocacy. We do these a lot.
“We have done a lot in the area of capacity building for leadership – how to manage difficult colleagues, and difficult managers.
“We’ve also done a whole lot with respect to taxation, ensuring that our taxpayers’ money works for them.
Ehiahuruike said SIDEC envisions to create a society that promotes strategic leadership, justice, equity and sustainable development.
“SIDEC is working hard to see that governance works for all – the poor and the rich, persons with disability.
“We work to ensure justice for people that are being abused, molested as a result of gender-based violence.
“Our commitment is ensuring that society works for all irrespective of gender, and race. We need a society that actually works for the poor, the young and the less privileged
According to her, SIDEC’s value is guided by transparency and accountability, integrity, love and justice, as well as partnership for sustainability and dignity of all our persons.
Clamour for an ideal society
Ugochi stressed the need for every citizen to work for the emergence of an ideal society where no one suffer violation of his rights and privileges.
“We want an ideal society a kind of system where everyone is free to achieve his or her potential.
“Achieving this means that all hands must be on deck. We need each and every one of you to succeed in achieving our mandate” she concluded.
Reverend Father Jude Anyanwu who blessed the new SIDEC office in Awka also prayed for more productive years ahead of the ED.
