I’m Deeply Motivated By the Impact of My Work- Mrs Ukachukwu, Inspiring Woman of the Year

Mrs Ukachukwu is the Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma. A multiple award winning school administrator including the Presidential Award For Excellence in School Leadership.

Mrs Ukachukwu will be honored with an award as the Inspiring Woman of the Year at the upcoming AMTY Awards Ceremony. She bared her mind to Kasim Sumaina on the award and other issues concerning leadership. Excerpts.

The AMTY Awards has recently nominated you as the Most Inspiring Woman of the Year. This year, you have also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in School Leadership. Where do you draw your inspiration, and what motivates you to deliver such a level of excellence?

My greatest inspiration is my husband, Engr. G. U. Ukachukwu. Though he has gone to be with the Lord, he remains my biggest cheerleader. He set ambitious goals, and I have always been driven to not only meet but surpass them. Beyond personal inspiration, I am deeply motivated by the impact of my work—investing in the next generation is like planting seeds that will grow into towering trees, offering shade and fruit long after we are gone. I want to be remembered as a leader who shaped lives, strengthened families, and prepared future leaders with integrity and excellence.
You are renowned for your empathetic and inclusive leadership style. From your experience, what are the qualities of a good leader, and what defines leadership?

Leadership is first and foremost a call to serve—it is about planting oneself into a mission for the greater good. The moment you accept that leadership is not about self-reward but about lifting others, you begin to embody its true essence. A great leader must be selfless, visionary, and committed to creating value beyond personal gains.

In this part of the world, women are not often seen as leaders in many critical sectors. Why do you think this is so, and what can women do to play a greater role in leadership?

I wouldn’t say women are not seen as leaders—if you look closely, many male leaders are deeply influenced by their mothers and wives. This shows that men, even in leadership, trust and lean on the guidance of women. The real challenge is the education and skills gap between boys and girls. When we create equal opportunities for both genders to develop expertise, society will naturally recognize and embrace more women in leadership roles. The key is to equip women with knowledge, skills, and confidence, and leadership will follow.

Do you believe leadership can be taught, or do you subscribe to the idea that it is more of nature than nurture?

Leadership is learned. While some people appear to be “born leaders,” the truth is that they are shaped by their environment. A child raised in a setting that nurtures leadership qualities—such as responsibility, resilience, and decision-making—will grow into a leader whom others might mistakenly call “natural.” The right training and exposure can turn anyone into an effective leader.

You have spent many years nurturing young people. How can society better inspire the younger generation to add value to society?

The best way to inspire young people is to stop manipulating them for personal or political gain. Instead, we must trust them, give them opportunities, and allow them to grow. Leadership is like a muscle—it strengthens with experience. When young people are given platforms to serve, they build the confidence, competence, and character needed for sustainable leadership.

Lastly, how do you feel about being celebrated as Anambra’s Most Inspiring Woman of the Year by the prestigious AMTY Awards?

It’s a bittersweet moment. My husband always believed I would be celebrated, and while I am honored, I wish he were here to witness it. However, I take comfort in knowing that my granddaughters can see this moment and draw inspiration for their own journeys. If this recognition encourages even one young girl to strive for excellence, then it is truly meaningful.