The 2026 Ohafia Local Government Area Women August Meeting has been described as a colourful celebration of women, culture, unity and community development, with Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Abia North, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, Ugo’Ena Nde Abiriba, commending the women of Ohafia for their contributions to families and society.
Bourdex made the remarks while speaking at the Ohafia Women August Meeting 2026, where women from communities across the local government area gathered alongside traditional rulers, community leaders, political groups, youths, government appointees, Labour Party supporters and other stakeholders.
The gathering featured cultural displays and traditional dances, creating an atmosphere that showcased the rich heritage and communal spirit of the people of Ohafia.
According to Bourdex, the event was more than a ceremonial gathering, describing it as a demonstration of the strength, unity and importance of women in the development of communities.
He noted that the large turnout and enthusiasm displayed by the women reflected the important role they continue to play in sustaining families, communities and cultural institutions.
The event was further elevated by the presence of Her Excellency, Lady Priscilla Chidimma Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, and Her Excellency, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State.
Bourdex described their presence as significant, noting that their decision to identify with the women of Ohafia demonstrated the importance attached to the people and communities of the local government area.
He expressed appreciation to both distinguished guests for honouring the invitation and participating in the celebration.
Their presence, he said, provided an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the women of Ohafia and the leadership of the state.
The Abia North Labour Party Senatorial Candidate also commended the efforts of the Mayoress of Ohafia LGA, Mrs. Grace Eleanya Kalu, alongside the Mayor, Hon. Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, and other individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the programme.
He particularly noted the visible preparations and empowerment initiatives associated with the gathering.
Among the items presented were bags of rice, sewing machines and other empowerment materials aimed at supporting women and improving their economic capacity.
Bourdex said such initiatives demonstrate the importance of moving beyond ceremonial celebrations to programmes capable of providing practical assistance to women.
He maintained that supporting women has a multiplier effect on society because women often play central roles in household welfare, entrepreneurship, education and community development.
“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family; when you strengthen families, you build stronger communities; and when communities are strong, the State becomes stronger,” Bourdex said.
Beyond economic empowerment, Bourdex highlighted the political and civic importance of women, describing them as a major force in democratic development.
He encouraged women to take an active interest in governance and to use their influence positively in their communities.
According to him, women’s participation in democracy goes beyond voting, as they also have the capacity to educate, mobilise and influence families and communities on issues affecting society.
Bourdex therefore urged the women to remain engaged in conversations around governance and development, while also protecting what they consider to be positive achievements of the current administration in Abia State.
He referenced developments in areas including roads, healthcare, education, transportation and public institutions, describing them as areas in which the state has witnessed changes under Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
The Labour Party candidate also expressed support for the continuation of the administration’s development agenda, urging the women to participate actively in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.
A major feature of the Ohafia Women August Meeting was the celebration of culture.
Traditional dancers entertained participants throughout the gathering, while the presence of traditional institutions and community stakeholders reinforced the cultural significance of the event.
For Bourdex, the combination of cultural celebration and empowerment made the programme particularly meaningful.
He noted that the preservation of culture should go hand in hand with initiatives that improve the economic and social wellbeing of the people.
The gathering also provided an avenue for women from different communities and groups to interact, celebrate together and strengthen relationships.
Bourdex said the unity displayed at the event was a reminder that community development requires collective participation and a shared sense of responsibility.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Bourdex said the gathering communicated a clear message about the place of women in Ohafia society.
He described the women as custodians of the home, important contributors to the local economy and indispensable partners in community development.
According to him, the celebration demonstrated that women should not only be recognised during cultural occasions but should also be continuously supported through empowerment, education, economic opportunities and meaningful participation in decision-making.
He congratulated the organisers, particularly the Mayoress, Mrs. Grace Eleanya Kalu, and everyone who worked towards making the 2026 Ohafia LGA Women August Meeting successful.
He also expressed appreciation to Lady Priscilla Otti and Mrs. Adaeze Emetu for their presence at the event.
Bourdex concluded by emphasising the connection between women’s empowerment and broader community development.
He said the lessons from the gathering should extend beyond the August Meeting, with greater attention given to empowering women, strengthening families, preserving cultural heritage and building stronger communities across Abia North.
The 2026 Ohafia Women August Meeting therefore ended not only as a celebration of culture and tradition, but also as an avenue for discussions around women’s empowerment, community development, political participation and the future of Ohafia and Abia State.
