ADC state woman leader meets with former women leaders

The newly inaugurated state woman leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo Chapter, Hon. Mrs. Ezinne Obianuju Ihejagwa, on Tuesday held her maiden official meeting with former women leaders of the party at the state secretariat in New Owerri.

The meeting, which began with prayers and introductions, brought together 15 former Local Government Area (LGA) women leaders and the three former zonal women leaders of the party.

In her address, Ihejagwa expressed gratitude to the women for their commitment and loyalty to the ADC, despite not retaining their previous positions within the leadership structure. She assured them of her readiness to pursue inclusive leadership, with a focus on collaboration at all levels, particularly with grassroots leaders.

“I want to sincerely thank you for your faith in the party and for not walking away. My leadership will be all-inclusive, and no one will be left behind. Together, we will build a stronger ADC where women play a central role,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the former women leaders, Lady Joy Efughi, former Owerri Zonal woman leader, praised Ihejagwa for reaching out and recognizing their continued relevance within the party. She pledged to engage other women who may still feel sidelined, expressing confidence in the state woman leader’s capacity to lead effectively. Efughi also commended the state chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, for what she described as his wisdom in repositioning the party for greater impact in Imo State.

Similarly, Hon. (Mrs.) Oluchi Amos, former Okigwe Zonal woman leader, reflected on the challenges previously faced by the women’s structure, describing it as having been “a shadow of itself.” She noted that the new leadership had provided renewed direction and purpose, pledging her commitment to mobilizing and galvanizing women across the state.

From the Orlu Zone, Mrs. Calista M. Okonkwo, former zonal woman leader, stressed that political impact is not limited to holding positions. She encouraged women to support the new leadership supervised by Okoroma and pledged, on behalf of Orlu women, to work closely with the current zonal woman leader to strengthen the zone’s base.

The deputy state woman leader, Lady Leticia Okere, also addressed the gathering, thanking the women leaders for their assurances of support. She emphasized that the ADC had come to stay and urged members to view the success of the party as a shared responsibility.

The meeting ended on a celebratory note, with solidarity songs, dancing, and tributes to Okoroma and the ADC leadership for what participants described as a “renewed sense of direction for the party”.

ADC – Arise and Shine!

Ihezie Dede Walax.