Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka has rallied support for over three thousand women in Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area.
The Commissioner who took part in a closing ceremony to celebrate this year's August meeting in the community, supported winners at the "Itunyaka" special dance competition with various gift items.
In the midst of a blend of cultural beats and applause by cheerful women and other members of the community, the meeting which is an annual event attracted women from all works of life who assembled at Ama Enugwu to make positive deliberations on how to better their lives, respective families and generally develop Enugu-Otu Aguleri.
Mr. Chukwuemeka who was Chairman of the occasion and indigenous to the town, extolled the women of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri for organizing such a meeting geared towards developing their town and said that the Soludo-led administration is supportive of women through different empowerment programs.
"In case you don’t know, I am a village boy. The colourful meeting reminded me of my root through Okpuko farm settlement to where I am now.
"I was privileged to sponsor “Unyaka” and “Ikenge”competitions for the women. Unyaka is cultural dance among “umu agbala”(married women) while “ikenge” is cultural dance by teenage girls, especially during the moonlight.
"The last major Ikenge outing in Enugu-Otu was in 1999/2000 when Late Mr. Odumegwu Nwachu and Mrs Avulenu Chukwuma Obaya led a group of teenage girls with Chugo Nwanne dark and Ijeoma Obidike echoing the age-long Ikenge music. The Unyaka competition was opened by Mrs. Obiamma Anekwe, an old woman who may be in her 80s now. She was known to be the best performer of Unyaka during her time.
He noted the importance of restoring some of their cultural practices which are almost going into extinction, encouraged them to always ensure to make sacrifices while training their children and wards as away to support government in fight against criminality.
According to Mr. Chukwuemeka, such sacrifices pays off and asked them to ensure to contribute their quarter, respect constituted authority and leaders, so as to move the community forward.
Speaking to the ABS, the chairperson of the Enugwu-Otu Aguleri women wing, Mrs. Juliana Iwuno said that the annual general meeting brings women in seven villages of Enugu-Otu Aguleri together to discuss things that affect them, saying that this year's August meeting availed them the opportunity to teach their women better ways to live peacefully in their various families.
She also charged women to discourage their children and wards from indulging in social vices and called on government to come to the community's aid in terms of distribution of social amenities.
Highpoint of the event was the reintroduction of a special dance called "itunyaka"competition where a widow, Mrs Ndidi Nnaemeka emerged winner and went home with brand new motorcycle.
Mrs. Ugorji Azo came second and received 32 inches plasma Television while Mrs. Awele Chiezie who came third went home a Hollandaise wrapper.
Speaking on behalf of the other winners in an interview, Mrs. Ndidi Nnameka expressed elation for participating and emerging winners, commended the Commissioner for ensuring the restoration of the almost lost "Itunyaka" dance.
The Commissioner was presented with an award of recognition during the event which also had the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Igwe Emmanuel Ejimofor in attendance.
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