Sunday Ehigiator
Recently retired Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice Ngozi Emehelu, and the Enugu state Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Peace Nnaji, were among the five eminent and public-spirited women who were honoured with an award at the first Gala and Award Event organised by the Enugu branch of Nigerwives
In a statement yesterday from the organisers, Justice Emehelu was awarded for her excellent leadership in building up the Enugu State judiciary through appointment of a record 15 new judges and renovation/construction of court infrastructure throughout the State
While Hon. Nnaji, was honoured for her longtime public service and example of political involvement.
“Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Nkiru Kizor-Akaraiwe was recognized for professional excellence in the field of Ophthalmology, for developing quality eye care facilities at the ESUT Teaching Hospital and her private hospital, The Eye Specialist Hospital (TESH), as well as her strong outreach activities aimed at eradicating blindness due to glaucoma.
“A law professor at the University of Nigeria, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, was awarded for her prominent role in the crusade for human rights, with special reference to fighting human trafficking and sexual abuse and ensuring the observation of legal rights within the justice system.
“Even as the award for Humanitarian Service went to Nigerwife Mrs. Hildegard Maria Ebigbo, who founded the Therapeutic Day Care Centre in Abakpa Nike, Enugu in 1979 and has nurtured its development from humble beginnings to an internationally known model of inclusive education for children with special needs.”
Other highlights of the night were the “unveiling of the branch’s new International cookbook, and treatment of guests to dishes prepared by Nigerwives themselves, in dancing and relaxation, having seen the raising of record amounts for charitable causes in the coming year.
In his remarks, President of the Association, Ransey Nwankwo explained that Nigerwives Enugu was part of a national association made up of foreign women married to Nigerian men and resident in Nigeria.
“The national association was founded in 1979 with a primary objective of helping foreign wives integrate into Nigerian society and providing a support group for members in their new home.
“Other objectives include working for a just and consistent legal status for Nigerwives and enhanced conditions for all women in the society; and to establish or assist in social projects of benefit to the community, especially its less advantaged members.”
Also speaking about the fund raising event, former Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, reminisced about the delicious variety of dishes he experienced growing up in his multicultural home and community at the University of Nigeria and the continuing joys of shared meals with family and friends everywhere.
