ADCWO MARKS 2026 CWO DAY IN GRAND STYLE
It was a memorable celebration of faith, unity, sacrifice, service, thanksgiving and womanhood as the Aba Diocesan Catholic Women Organization (ADCWO) marked its 2026 CWO Day with pomp, colour and excitement at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC), Aba, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The event, which attracted distinguished personalities from within and outside Abia State, was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Chinedu Ndubuizu, Managing Director of Rosevine Hospital, Aba, and featured Holy Mass, fundraising, awards presentation, march-past, queen competition, callisthenics, cultural displays and other social activities.
The celebration commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema.
In his homily, Bishop Echema congratulated the women on the successful celebration of their 2026 CWO Day and thanked God for preserving their lives and granting them good health.
He extolled the sacrifices and indispensable roles of mothers in the family, Church and society, describing women as wonderful pillars whose contributions deserved admiration, honour and encouragement.
The Bishop noted that the women of Aba Diocese had consistently distinguished themselves through commitment, faith and service, adding that the Diocese remained proud of their dynamism and dedication to the work of God.
In her welcome address, the President-General of Aba Diocesan Catholic Women Organization, Nneoma Chief Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha, warmly received guests and participants on behalf of the Bishop, the chaplain, sister adviser, executive members and the entire ADCWO family.
She described the gathering as a significant and joyous occasion eagerly anticipated by Catholic women across the Diocese every year because it provided them with opportunities to engage in spiritually uplifting and socially enriching activities such as march-past competitions, queenship contest, cultural dances and fellowship.
According to her, the event was not merely ceremonial but also therapeutic, as it helped women relax, reduce stress and strengthen bonds of unity and love within the Church community.
Lady Anwuacha explained that the occasion was equally being used to raise funds for important diocesan projects, including the re-roofing of the Second Nneoma Hall and the refurbishment of the Virgin Mary Grotto located at the Priests’ Cemetery.
She further disclosed that ADCWO also had financial obligations to meet at the diocesan, provincial, national and World Union of Catholic Women Organizations (WUCWO) levels.
The President-General proudly announced that ADCWO was presenting and launching trophies won consecutively at the Cathedratica competitions for five years — from 2022 to 2026 — a feat she described as evidence of the women’s consistency, discipline and excellence.
She also revealed that three members of ADCWO — Nneoma Adaku Nwogwugwu, Lady Ngozi Owuama and Mrs. Victoria Nlebechi — had been honoured with the prestigious “Mother of Peace” award by the Catholic Women Organization Nigeria (CWON) during the National Executive Council meeting and award ceremony held on February 13, 2026, at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia Diocese.
Lady Anwuacha clarified that the award was not instituted by Aba Diocese, noting that Bishop Echema had placed a five-year ban on diocesan award ceremonies.
She explained that the honours were national recognitions already conferred by CWON and only formally presented in the Diocese.
Highlighting the activities of ADCWO, she stated that the organization had remained active in caring for the welfare of the Bishop, priests and seminarians, especially through food apostolate programmes directed at the Bishop’s House, parish priests and seminaries at Amaudara and Azumiri.
She added that the women regularly visited motherless babies’ homes, correctional centres and hospitals with relief materials and financial support, while many parish women groups had continued to execute projects that promoted religious, social and cultural development within the Church and society.
Lady Anwuacha expressed profound appreciation to Bishop Echema for his unwavering support and encouragement towards ADCWO, which she said had greatly enhanced the organization’s growth and efficiency.
She equally commended the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso (Eziuko Chukwu Ndi Nne); the Sister Adviser, Rev. Sister Harriet Okafor (Ada Oma Ndi Nne); members of the clergy and religious community; the CWO Day planning committee; executive members; choir groups and invited guests for their various contributions to the success of the event.
The church service also featured presentation of a specially designed cake for Bishop Echema.
During the fundraising session, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, who was represented by Hon. Onwere Nmesirionye Onwere, congratulated the women on the successful celebration.
He explained that the federal lawmaker had intended to attend personally but was unavoidably absent due to pressing official engagements.
He encouraged the women not to relent in their service to God and humanity and donated generously to support the diocesan projects.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who briefly attended the programme before proceeding to another engagement, commended the women for their commitment to noble causes.
He also made a handsome donation to support the diocesan projects and urged them to continue their good works, assuring them of God’s unceasing blessings.
One of the recipients of the “Mother of Peace” award, Lady Nneoma Ngozi Owuama, President of CWO, SS Anthony and Jude, expressed gratitude to God for the honour bestowed on her.
She described God as the rewarder of diligent service and noted that the recognition would further motivate her commitment to the service of God and humanity.
She also appreciated Bishop Echema, Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha and others for their encouragement and support while urging Christian women to step out boldly in service to God and humanity.
After the conclusion of the first segment in the church with a benediction by Bishop Echema, the celebration moved to the open field outside the church for the second phase of activities, which began with prayers led by the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Chinedu Ndubuizu, described the event as a significant moment in the life of Catholic women in Aba Diocese.
He explained that despite his demanding schedule as a medical practitioner and hospital administrator, he considered it necessary to honour the invitation because the programme was centred on God’s work and the growth of the Church.
Dr. Ndubuizu described Catholic women as pillars and mothers of the Church who continuously invested their faith, time and resources in strengthening the Church community.
He urged women to remain faithful in their responsibilities to the Church, their families and society, stressing the importance of family unity, respect for husbands and proper upbringing of children.
The medical practitioner also warned against the growing moral and social challenges confronting families, especially the negative influence of unchecked internet exposure and societal decadence.
He advised parents to remain vigilant and ensure that children were guided by sound Christian teachings and moral discipline.
The sporting activities and social segment of the event, coordinated by Ogechi Udochukwu and assisted by Ambassador Eziadapuruiche Kelechi Anwuacha Chukwudi, featured queenship contests, march-past displays, callisthenics, cultural dances and entertainment.
Members of the panel of judges comprising Mrs. Gold Olugu, Mr. Ndukwe Agwu Oru and Mrs. Kalu Oluebube discharged their duties without bias.
At the end of the competitions, results announced by the Chaplain showed that Mrs. Chidinma Precious Agu of Holy Trinity Vicariate emerged winner of the Queen Contest, while the defending queen, Nwada Uchenna Dim, came second.
The new queen is expected to be formally crowned in September 2026 and reign for one year.
Mrs. Agu, a renowned make-up artist, hairstylist, beautician and graduate of Banking and Finance, expressed gratitude to God and members of her vicariate for their support, promising to become even more dedicated to the things of God.
In the march-past competition, Holy Trinity Vicariate also clinched first position, followed by St. Eugene’s Vicariate and St. Mary’s Vicariate respectively.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Nnenna Adaoma Rose Chukwu, appreciated all guests and participants for honouring the invitation and contributing to the success of the programme.
She particularly commended Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha for her exemplary leadership and tireless efforts, while also thanking Bishop Echema, Very Rev. Fr. Magnus Nwagboso and Rev. Sister Harriet Okafor for their support, encouragement and guidance.
The event ended on a joyous note with prayers, music, dancing and merriment as the women celebrated enthusiastically in gratitude to God.
Speaking with journalists after the programme, Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha attributed the success of the event to God’s grace, effective planning, teamwork and prayer.
She disclosed that despite weather forecasts predicting heavy rainfall, the women remained steadfast in faith, embarking on a nine-day novena across parishes in the Diocese while she personally prayed for favourable weather conditions.
According to her, God answered their prayers as the weather remained conducive throughout the programme despite rainfall.
She also expressed delight over the overwhelming support received from dignitaries and guests, noting that many of them adjusted their schedules to honour the event.
On parenting and moral upbringing, she explained that ADCWO consistently sensitized women during executive meetings on the importance of raising children in the fear of God and instilling sound values in them.
She stressed that mothers must remain prayerful and committed to proper upbringing so as to reap the fruits of their labour in future.
Several women leaders who spoke during the event described the celebration as fulfilling, spiritually uplifting and socially impactful.
Ambassador Eziadapuruiche Kelechi Anwuacha Chukwudi, Secretary of SS Anthony and Jude Parish, described the celebration as unique, especially as his mother, Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha, currently serves as ADCWO President-General. She maintained that women remained indispensable to the growth and functioning of the Church.
Lady Joy Ubah (Akwaugo), President of CWO, CKC and CKC Vicariate, expressed happiness over the celebration and encouraged women who isolated themselves from church activities to embrace unity and communal participation, stressing that motherhood was better celebrated collectively within the body of Christ.
President of CWO, Our Lady of Fatima Vicariate, Ezinne Anthonia Obianeli, praised Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha’s leadership qualities and advised mothers to begin early in training children in godliness and discipline.
Using the analogy of life stages — morning, afternoon, evening and night — she stressed that poor parenting at the early stages of life often resulted in painful experiences later in old age.
Lady Nneoma C. Otigbuo, President of CWO, St. Eugene’s Vicariate, highlighted the organization’s humanitarian efforts, including visits to hospitals, correctional centres and motherless babies’ homes, as well as food apostolate activities adding that they have done well in those areas and beyond.
Ambassador Mrs. Nkechi Kenneth, President of CWO, St. Mary’s Vicariate, described the event as one that strengthened unity, love, diligence and cooperation among women, adding that love remained the foundation for collective success.
Mrs. Emeka Evangeline, President of CWO, Regina Caeli, Obehie, commended Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha for her creativity, leadership and commitment to showcasing the talents and achievements of women in the Diocese.
Also speaking, Nneoma Ogbonna Stella Ihechi, President of CWO, St. Anthony’s Vicariate, Nbawsi, observed that motherhood within the Catholic Church was both demanding and honourable. She urged mothers to lead by good example amid rising moral decadence among young people.
For Nneoma Lolo Peace Orji, President of CWO, St. Ambrose’s Vicariate, Omoba Road, Ogbor Hill, Aba, the event not only brought joy but also served as emotional and spiritual relief for many women.
She encouraged women to sustain their faith in God and continue learning values that would help them nurture responsible children and stable families.
Overall, the 2026 ADCWO Day celebration stood out as a remarkable demonstration of faith, unity, service and womanhood, reinforcing the enduring contributions of Catholic women to the growth of the Church and society.
