3rd Anniversary: UBWFAN Intensifies Call for Greater Women Inclusion in Leadership Roles

By Ukpa Ewa

The Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN) has intensified clamor for greater women involvement in national leadership roles and decision makings aimed at addressing socio economic and political challenges facing the country.

The call was made during UBWFAN’s 2025 National Convention and third anniversary held in Awka, Anambra State.

The convention, which brought together 250 women from across the 21 local government areas in Anambra State under a theme: “The Role of Mothers in Nation’s Security, ” provided an opportunity to reflect on the current state of security in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region.

UBWFAN National President, Mrs. Nkiru Nwagbo, described the annual gathering as a ritual where executive members of the association meet to reflect on prevailing societal issues and adopt a theme that aligns with national and state realities.

She emphasized that women, often being the most affected in times of crisis, must be actively involved in shaping a safer society.

“We brought in the service commanders to rub minds with them and hear directly what we as mothers can do to support security efforts,” Mrs. Nwagbo said.

“Every child or man that is lost was once a baby nurtured by a mother. We must play our part to make the society better.”

She praised the efforts of Anambra security agencies, particularly the joint initiative Operation Udo-Gachi – Zero Kidnapping, led by Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu. She commended the improvement in the security situation in the state, noting that “mothers now sleep with their two eyes closed.”

Mrs. Nwagbo appealed to the government to partner with the association, noting that UBWFAN has direct access to grassroots women and could assist in training and sensitization programmes if supported.

Delivering a keynote lecture, Prof. Ifeoma Udoye from the Department of English, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, stressed the importance of communication and child upbringing. She urged mothers to be assertive and intentional in guiding their children.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairperson of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Chinwe Umueri, charged mothers to live exemplary lives, emphasizing the long-term impact of parental influence.

“Whatever you sow in a child is what you will reap,” she said.

Coordinator of UBWFAN Awka North, Mrs. Beatrice Ifunanya Nwoye, hailed the event as inspiring, noting that the theme gave many women clarity on their roles as nation builders. She called on the government to support UBWFAN, saying “when you train a woman, you train a nation.”

Mrs. Ngozi Adinuba, a businesswoman from Ihiala, highlighted the importance of mothers in curbing crime and praised UBWFAN for its support to widows and farmers through empowerment initiatives.

Representing Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacist Arinzechukwu Ezichi educated the women on cardiovascular health, stressing the importance of wellness for women in their roles as family caretakers.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to key service chiefs in recognition of their contributions to security in Anambra State. Honourees included CP Ikioye Orutugu, Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander of the FRSC, Controller Nwosu Valentine Ike of the Correctional Service, Col. Ak Muhammad of the 302 Artillery Regiment, and former Registrar of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu.