NEWS
HISTORIC HONOUR FOR WOMEN AS GOV. ALEX OTTI PLEDGES MONUMENTS FOR 1929 ABA HEROES AS EMOTIONS FLOW AT LATE CHIAMKA JOYCE IBEKWE’s BURIAL IN BENDE
…as Gov. Otti to Approve the Erection of Monuments in Honour of Historic Women, Including the Heroines of the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has assured that his administration will approve the erection of monuments in honour of historic women, including the heroines of the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday at Onu Ibina, Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of the State, during the burial ceremony of late Mrs Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe.
The Governor, responding to a passionate request by Hon. Ibekwe for the immortalisation of women, particularly those linked to the historic 1929 uprising, pledged firm government backing, declaring that the recognition of women’s sacrifices and contributions has become long overdue in the state’s historical narrative.
He stressed that honouring such figures would not only preserve history but also inspire present and future generations of women who continue to play critical roles in societal development, family stability, and economic productivity.
“I want to thank the Honourable member for the request he made here. And the request was not about him. It was not even about Chiamaka. It was about the Abia women from inception.
“Our women have always been great women. If you don’t know, then you don’t know history. We’ve come to the level where somehow, either knowingly or unknowingly, we have refused to give women their due, particularly in our diaspora.
”I’ve been at the forefront of fighting that women should be recognised and given their due place so the request you have made, I want to assure you that it is not only going to be considered, but it is going to be approved.
“And I believe it is going to be a great encouragement to women who toil day and night. Women, who, if they are not there, food may not be available, the children may not be able to go to school. Your trade may suffer. So we have to do this for the women folk and for humanity”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor also expressed concern over the absence of female lawmakers in the Abia State House of Assembly, using the solemn occasion to advocate for stronger female representation in governance and decision-making processes.
Reflecting on the life and passing of the late Mrs Ibekwe, Governor Otti described her as a divine gift whose impact would continue to resonate, urging mourners to anchor their grief in faith and the hope of resurrection.
“Let me start by repeating that we are thanking God for the gift of this woman lying here today. A special privilege that we had her in the first place.
“If you spent time to read the tributes or if you encountered her, then you would know she was a gift from God. And because she was a gift, the giver will always determine the way he will take. It is not for us to decide what will happen”, the Governor said.
In an emotionally charged tribute, the Chief Mourner and lawmaker, Nnamdi Ibekwe, described his late wife as his “paragon of peace” and “tranquilliser,” highlighting her calm spirit, deep faith, and profound influence on those around her.
He extolled her virtues as a prayerful, compassionate, and exceptional woman whose life touched countless individuals, while renewing his legislative call for monuments to honour the heroines of the 1929 Aba uprising.
“Therefore, Your Excellency, I want to request that monuments be erected in honour of the heroines of 1929. If you do this, Chiamaka will rest in peace”, he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Ahukwa, described the deceased as a virtuous woman, mentor, and role model whose absence leaves a deep void, urging the family to remain steadfast and uphold her legacy.
On behalf of the wives of members of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Eucharia Okezie paid tribute to the late Mrs Ibekwe as a devout Christian and prayer warrior whose commitment to faith and service would remain unforgettable.
Delivering a sermon, Rev. Mrs Oyiks Alfred of Word Based Assembly urged mourners to live purposeful lives rooted in faith, reminding them of the transient nature of life while praying for divine comfort for the bereaved.
Earlier, in a moving biography, the second son of the deceased, Chimmezirim Ibekwe, described his mother as a symbol of God’s goodness, “a woman that radiated peace and divine aura as well as a devoted wife, loving mother, and a quiet philanthropist who built her home on prayer, love, and strong belief in her children”.
He acknowledged the painful void left by her passing but emphasised that her enduring legacy lives on through the many lives she impacted.
The solemn ceremony, marked by deep reflection, praise, and prayers, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, political leaders, and sympathisers, including the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu; members of the National and State Assemblies; the Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, the Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obialor Anyanwu and Mayor of Bende, Hon. Dcn Uwabunkonye Bassey; commissioners; top government aides; traditional rulers; and stakeholders from across Abia North, all united in honouring a life of virtue while witnessing a historic policy commitment to immortali
se the legacy of women in Abia State.