By Eunice Emeyazia.
It was a gathering of different women groups as a strong political and traditional force in the state, Chief Theodora Giwa-Amu was installed the 13th President of Soroptimist International Club, Asaba.
The investiture ceremony was performed by the Past President of Soroptimist International Asaba, Stellamaris Ijeh.
The gaily dressed women representing various cultural and political groups, including the Enyis, the otu onu ahaba, aguba dance group, adikaafunmanwu and the PDP women, all came to identify with Chief Theodora Giwa-Amu.
In a keynote address the state Head of Service represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Blessing Edewor, hinged the development of any nation on women empowerment and commended the Soroptimist International for their Commitment to educate, enable and empower women and the girl-child.
While saying that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has provided an enabling environment for NGOs to thrive in the state, he urged Soroptimist International to effectively synergize with other Organisations, collaborate with the local populace and ensure transparency in their activities, in order to make greater impact.
The Chairman on the occasion and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Bridget Anyafulu commended Soroptimist international for remaining a vibrant dynamic Organization for today’s professional and business women, committed to helping women and girls actualize their Potentials and Aspirations, and have equal voice in creating strong peaceful communities worldwide.
Speaking after her investiture as
the 13th President of the Soroptimist International Asaba, Chief Theodora Giwa-Amu expressed gratitude for the honor and reiterated her resolve to continually advocate for equity and equality, safe and healthy enviroment, increased access to education, development of leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future, in line with the mission of the organisation.
The immediate past President of the club, best sister Stellamaris Nkonye Ijeh, while thanking members for their support throughout her tenure, said Soroptimist International remained the world’s largest and oldest service Organisation for women in management and other professions, who carry out projects to make life better for the underprivileged and enhance the status of women and girls.
Chairman Planning Committee, Best Sister Vivian Eseagwu and Guests congratulated Chief Giwa Amu on her new position and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the team well, given her wealth of experience and track records.
The event featured Award presentation, culturál dance, reading of the Soroptimist Grace, Vision, as well as a minute silence in honour of past Presidents and members who had died.
Soroptimist, was coined from two Latin words soro meaning sister and optima meaning best, which is why members call each other, Best Sister.
The Organisation has over 500,000 members worldwide, comprising over 4,000 clubs in 140 club countries.
Eunice Emeyazia.
