Obele Women Empowerment Foundation (OWEF) Launched in Grand Style in Awka



By O'star Eze, Editor, factreporters.com.ng


Awka, Anambra State – On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Golden Tulip Hotel in Awka played host to the official launch of the Obele Women Empowerment Foundation (OWEF), a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting women across various sectors of society. The event, which drew dignitaries, stakeholders, and women advocates, was a vibrant celebration of the potential of women in nation-building, marked by inspiring speeches, panel discussions, and showcases of women-led businesses. The foundation, spearheaded by its founder Mrs. Amara Oyeka (SSA on IGR) and co-founder Dr. Greg Ezeilo, promises to bridge the gender gap and empower women at all levels.


The event kicked off with a soulful musical interlude, followed by opening prayers led by Mrs. Ngozi Okoye (JP). The recognition of special guests set the tone for the day, with notable figures such as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, in attendance. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ezeajughi lauded OWEF as an exceptional foundation with a clear focus on women, a demographic he described as the bedrock of society. “We all come from a woman, and we must place great importance on their empowerment,” he stated, emphasizing the need to uplift women at the lowest rung—farmers, artisans, hawkers, and teachers—while also supporting women in politics, banking, and entertainment.


Mrs. Amara Oyeka, in her founder’s speech, shared the deeply personal inspiration behind OWEF. “The passing of my mum last year inspired me to set up this foundation,” she revealed. Growing up, her mother’s home was a sanctuary for women in need, and as a teenager, Oyeka often listened to their struggles. After her mother’s passing, she resolved to continue that legacy. With a history of mentoring over 30 women in the past seven years through her consulting firm, Led to Lead, Oyeka’s vision for OWEF is to address traditional practices that hinder women’s progress, such as unequal inheritance rights, and to ensure that the birth of a girl child elicits the same joy as that of a boy. “A woman who is on her feet will give birth to children who stand on their feet,” she declared, envisioning OWEF as an international foundation within five years.


Dr. Greg Ezeilo, co-founder of OWEF, delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on his personal experiences with the vulnerability of women. Having lost his mother at six months old, Ezeilo grew up witnessing the struggles of women, including a poignant memory of a crippled woman he encountered during his NYSC days, struggling to cross a railway with a baby on her back. He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling environment for initiatives like OWEF to thrive. “The onus lies on us to be the change we seek,” Ezeilo urged, calling for collective support to empower women to take center stage in society.


The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Arc. Dr. O.C. Ifebi, Head of Department, Department of Architecture, and MD of Sluchiz Brand. The discussion, themed “The Role of Women in Nation Building and the Need to Accelerate Action,” included panelists such as Hon. Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, Dr. Mrs. Obieri, Mr. Ujubuonu, and a representative from Globus Bank. The session highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gender gap, with Oyeka referencing the UN’s estimate that it will take 135 years to achieve gender equality if current trends persist. She called for accelerated action to change this narrative.


Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi further emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering women, noting that 80% of the 8,000 teachers recently recruited in Anambra State were women. He described the state government under Governor Soludo as one of empathy, providing enabling environments such as improved roads and recreational facilities like Fun City. Ezeajughi challenged OWEF to present a scorecard of supported women at its one-year anniversary, pledging his support and expressing his desire to start a similar charity, inspired by OWEF’s execution.


The event also showcased products and services by women-led businesses, with Globus Bank and other partners presenting their contributions to women’s empowerment. Musical interludes, goodwill messages, and entertainment, including a lively dance session, added to the celebratory atmosphere. The official unveiling of OWEF, led by the Chairman of the occasion, was a highlight, followed by a photo session and toast to the foundation’s success.


Other notable attendees included Lolo Amara Idigo, wife of Igwe Aguleri; Mr. Chris Molokwu, MD/CEO of ABS; Mr. Tony Ujubuonu, MD/CEO of ANSAA; Madeline Nnolum; Barrister Adanna Egbo; and Ben Anierobi. The Master of Ceremony, Ify Aronu, kept the event lively and engaging, ensuring a seamless flow of activities.


The launch of OWEF marks a significant step toward empowering women in Anambra State and beyond. With a clear vision, passionate leadership, and the support of stakeholders, the foundation is poised to make a lasting impact. As the event concluded with closing prayers, the call to action was clear: society must rally behind OWEF to uplift women, bridge the gender gap, and accelerate progress for all.







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