Non-Indigenes Association, Anambra Confer Matron Award on Dr. Nkoli Imoh

By Ukpa Ewa

The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has conferred an award of recognition and installed renowned philanthropist Chief Dr. Nkoli Imoh (Adadioramma), as the Matron of the Association, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to socio-economic and educational development in the state.

Presenting the award at Ukpor, Nnewi South, the President of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke who was accompanied by key stakeholders and members of the Elders Council representatives honoured Dr. Imoh for her consistent support to the poor, vulnerable groups and educational advancement within Anambra State and beyond.

In his remarks, Prince Nweke described Anambra as “one of the best states to live in Nigeria,” noting that the state has continued to create an enabling environment for non-indigenes, particularly through the free education policy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. He announced that the association would partner with the Soludo administration under an initiative tagged “Education for Our Future,” aimed at sensitising non-indigenes on the importance of education and ensuring that their children fully benefit from the state free education programme.

He expressed concern over the prevalence of child hawking during school hours, stressing that such practices must stop since education is now freely accessible. According to him, Dr. Imoh’s appointment as Matron would further strengthen efforts to take non-indigenes off the streets through collaborative programmes with her foundation.

“She is the first woman to be appointed Matron of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State. Her works speak for her and we are confident she will add immense value to our mission,” Prince Nweke stated.

Also speaking, a member of the Elders Council, Dr. Balami Daniel, said the association had been seeking partnerships and funding to produce educational materials such as exercise books and schools bags for underprivileged children across various locations in the state. He described Dr. Imoh as “a woman of capacity” whose NGO’s goals align with that of the association, urging sustained collaboration.

The Youth Leader of the association, Chief Godwin Otu (Ochiagha) in his speech commended Dr. Imoh for her positive impact on non-indigenes, noting that they have enjoyed peaceful coexistence with their host communities. He described the Igbo people as accommodating and business-oriented and affirmed that the association stands firmly behind Dr. Imoh. He further highlighted that the capacity of Adadioramma is needed in public office, advising that her empowerment will become a Tsunami if she contest for a public office, assuring her of mobilizing the Youths across board to see to her imminent victory.

In her response, Dr. Nkoli Imoh (Adadioramma) thanked the Association for the honour and disclosed that plans were underway to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Adadioramma Foundation, which has over 50,000 members and operates across Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia States. She described the Association’s ’s Education initiative as noble and urged members to remain focused on humanitarian service and shun negative influences.

Dr. Imoh revealed that her foundation has built houses for widows over the years and reiterated her commitment to uplifting the less privileged. She also advised women to rise to their responsibilities in building a safe and inclusive society where no one is left behind.

In a vote of thanks, the Vice President 1 of ANIAS, Muhammad Jidda, expressed satisfaction with the harmonious coexistence between non-indigenes and their host communities in Anambra State. He thanked Dr. Imoh for her continued support and encouraged her to sustain her life changing interventions among the less privileged.