By Chinaza Osigwe
There was joy and celebration at the palace of Igwe Gerald Mbamalu in Ojoto as the Otu Odu Ojoto Association empowered eight youths from the eight villages of the community with sewing and hairdressing equipment, as well as one-year shop rent.Otu Odu Ojoto is a charitable and elite socio-cultural group of titled women married within and outside Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.Speaking during the event, the President of Otu Odu Ojoto, Chief Mrs. Anthonia Ugokwe, said the association also inducted five women into its fold and empowered the eight youths who successfully completed one year of training in fashion design and hair styling.She explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from the eight villages of the community and were selected based on their performance in their training and examinations, adding that the empowerment package included all the equipment needed to start their businesses as well as shop rent for one year.Chief Mrs. Ugokwe also noted that the association last year provided street lighting across the eight villages of Ojoto to boost security in the community.The traditional ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, commended the Otu Odu women for their contributions to community development, particularly in youth empowerment. He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and train others, assuring them of his continued support.The wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Chief Mrs. Ify Obinabo, described the projects executed by the association as impressive. She said the women deserved commendation for using their resources to support their community rather than personal enrichment, and encouraged the empowered youths to contribute meaningfully to community development.One of the inductees, Chief Mrs. Chioma Ejezie, expressed happiness over her induction into the Otu Odu Ojoto Association.Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Oluchukwu Ndulue thanked the association for the empowerment support and promised to remain a good ambassador of the community.The event was rounded off with the induction of new members, decoration with regalia and the presentation of empowerment items to the beneficiaries.
