By Ukpa Ewa
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Office of the State Women Leader in Anambra State has organised the 2026 Women’s Summit with the theme “Empower Her, Elevate All.”
The event, held at the APGA Regional Secretariat, brought together women from the 21 local government areas of the state and various women groups.
The summit also formed part of activities marking the International Women’s Day.
Addressing the gathering, the wife of the Anambra State Governor Dr. Nonye Soludo said empowering women is key to building stronger families and communities.
She appreciated women for their support during the last election which returned her husband Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo as governor.
Mrs Soludo noted that women remain an important pillar in societal development describing women as intelligent, hardworking and natural problem solvers.
She urged them to continue contributing positively to their families and communities.
Balancing family and business
The Governor’s wife advised women to balance family responsibilities with their businesses and careers while also paying attention to their health by eating well, exercising regularly and protecting their mental health.
She further noted that empowering women benefits the entire family since the income generated by women is often used to support household needs.
In his remarks, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, commended the APGA State Women Leader for organising the summit.
He observed that women have historically fought for important rights including voting, education and participation in the workforce, adding that their involvement in politics has significantly improved governance.
Mrs Soludo also noted that advocacy for increased political representation for women is gaining momentum at the National Assembly.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion Mr Oli Prince Chukwudi urged women to remain hopeful and peaceful while supporting one another.
He said women remain the foundation of the family and society, adding that discussions from the summit would help create an enabling environment for the advancement of women.
Women empowerment
In her welcome address, the APGA State Women Leader, Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, emphasized the importance of empowering women for the growth of society.
She disclosed that widows, non-indigenes and other women were randomly selected across wards for the first phase of the empowerment programme.
Also speaking, the member representing Onitsha North I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs Mimi Azikiwe, stressed that empowering women leads to stronger families and better communities.
She called for more opportunities for women in leadership, training and professional development, noting that women should not only be active in markets but also occupy executive and decision-making positions.
Highlights of the summit included the presentation of grinding and sewing machines to selected women by Mrs. Soludo, lectures delivered by the Rector of Anambra State Polytechnic, Dr. Njideka Chiekezie, and a march past by women from the 21 local government areas.
At the end of the competition, Ogbaru Local Government Area emerged first, Awka North came second while Idemili North took third position.
The event attracted government officials, political leaders and women groups from across the state.
