…vows to strategically reduce feminized poverty
.. she’s a true village lover worthy of emulation-Gov Akeredolu
The First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu was today installed as ADA OWERE 1, the first of its kind traditional title in the modern Owerri.
The maiden edition of the Chieftaincy conferment which is the highest traditional title reserved for women in the old Owerri dialectical bloc, was jointly bestowed on her today by 43 communities from Owerri West, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal local government areas.
The ceremony held at the Graceland Event Arena, Irete Off Owerri-Onitsha road in Owerri the Imo State capital, had in attendance the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, his deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his wife, Oluwaseun, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale, the Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, among others.
Governor Akeredolu expressed deep appreciation to the Owerri clan for the honour done his family.
Congratulating his wife, Governor Akeredolu described the honour as well deserved, saying she is a personality well-packaged by her parents before he met her as a graduate.
He enjoined individuals to emulate the Ada OWERE 1 by loving their roots, calling her a true VILLAGER who cherishes Emeabiam more than anything.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Nmadumere noted that the tittle was reserved for women in the old Owerri dialectical bloc who had distinguished themselves through the core values of life, in community service, and human capacity development.
He asserted that the Ondo First Lady has done them proud with the number of achievements she facilitated in Owerri, ranging from empowerment of youths and women, to influencing the Niger Delta Development Commission to construct 18km road in Emeabiam.
According to him, the newly installed ADA OWERE 1 is a huge blessing to Owerri due to what God has used her to do, hence, the reason they came up with the first of its kind traditional title.
He described her as good daughter, supportive wife, and passionate mother who accommodates every Imo indigene regardless of which axis he/she hails from.
In her acceptance speech, Chief Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, the Ada OWERE 1 described the honour as a nudge to keep impacting the Society, positively, as she affirmed that it’s indeed in recognition of her modest accomplishments in Imo and Ondo States, and Nigeria as a whole through her initiatives.
The Ada OWERE, expressed her readiness to continually strategize to reduce feminized poverty through widows care platform.
She added: “As part of efforts to demonstrate sincere appreciation to the coalition of Ndi-Eze in Ala OWERE, all critical stakeholders and indeed the 43 communities that make up the Owerri ancient clan, today, I pledge to facilitate access to ICT facilities and solar technology particularly in our rural areas which is geared towards boosting the rural economy and virtual learning.
“My pledge as listed will be championed through my Foundation, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF)”.
Other dignitaries in attendance are all the traditional rulers of Owerri local government areas, led by the Chairman of OWERRI Zone traditional rulers, HRM Eze David Akujobi Osuagwu, Ondo State Cabinet members, some members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the Forum of Wives of Ondo State Officials and Political Appointees, FOWOSO.
Mary Agidi
Special Assistant on Media (WoG)
August 14th, 2021