Posted by Chinenye on Fri 31st Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A community gathering in Enugu has highlighted the power of service, unity and shared values in driving development.
(Anambra Map. Photo Credit: Guardian Nigerian News)
Women from Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, have urged their sons and daughters to continue promoting love, solidarity, and selfless service as the foundation for long-term communal growth.
The appeal was made by the Nibo Women Enugu Branch at its inaugural Distinguished Award of Excellence Ceremony in Enugu, where famous sons and daughters of the community were recognized for their contributions to Nibo's development.
Speaking at the event, the branch President, Mrs Ifeoma Gloria Samkalia, described the ceremony as a landmark achievement for the association, explaining that it was introduced to recognise exemplary leadership and strengthen the bond among Nibo indigenes living in Enugu.
She said the women's branch, established in 1948, has remained committed to promoting peace, love, unity, cultural values and the welfare of its members, adding that the awards are meant to inspire more community members to embrace selfless service and contribute to Nibo's continued development.
She explained that the occasion was not primarily about handing out awards, but about strengthening the bond between the women and their husbands, noting that the union preaches and practises love, and expressing gratitude that their aims had been achieved, with assurances that the event would not be the last of its kind.
Samkalia disclosed that the union plans to expand its community service efforts by empowering widows and vulnerable women, organising vocational and skills acquisition programmes, acquiring a bus for its activities, and supporting the completion of Obu Nibo.
She appealed to philanthropists, development partners, and sons and daughters of the community to support these initiatives.
In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Dandison Udodi commended the people of Nibo for maintaining unity despite living outside their ancestral home, describing the love and togetherness among members as exemplary.
He said he admired the bond that existed among them, noting that while many communities across Igboland struggle with disunity, the way everyone came together for the event showed that all hope was not lost.
He urged members to continue upholding togetherness, forgiveness, tolerance and unity, stressing that these values guarantee lasting peace and progress, and encouraged them to speak the truth in love by correcting one another whenever anyone strays from the community's cherished values.
One of the award recipients and former Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Enugu Branch, Engr. Chigbo Obealor, described the recognition as a call to greater service, expressing joy that his family had been remembered and pledging to continue guiding, counselling and supporting the women and the community whenever needed.
Another award recipient, Ezinne Catherine Nwankwo, who disclosed that ill health had kept her away from meetings since 2019, thanked members for their unwavering support throughout her illness, noting that their people never failed to visit or check on her, and expressing appreciation for being honoured for her contributions, while urging the community to continue living in love.
Also speaking, award recipient Ojiugo Rose Obikwelu described the recognition as a memorable moment in her life and encouraged the people of Nibo to remain steadfast in promoting unity, describing it as the pathway to greater development.
The ceremony attracted clergy members, community leaders, political office holders, captains of industry, and sons and daughters of Nibo, who commended the initiative as a significant step toward preserving the community's cherished values while encouraging grassroots development through the recognition of outstanding service.