PECULIAR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE HOLDS 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT OBEHIE

 

Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative Holds 2026 Annual Conference at Obehie

…Unveils Scholarship Scheme with ₦10 Million, Distributes Gift Items

The Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative (PWEI) on Friday, January 9, 2026, held its 4th Annual Conference at Obehie Central School, Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, reaffirming the critical role of women in nation-building and sustainable development.

The conference, tagged “Building the Women for Sustainable Development,” attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, captains of industry, women groups and other dignitaries from Abia State and beyond. It commenced with an opening prayer by Pastor (Mrs.) Onyinye Nwaenyo.

In his opening remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Chief Lambert Iwuagwu, represented by Mr. Gerald Echenwanne Iwuagwu, an Aba-based businessman, described the conference as impactful and well organized, noting that it exceeded expectations.

According to him, greater national progress would be achieved if women were encouraged and fully integrated into governance and leadership positions.

He cited notable Nigerian women such as the late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as examples of transformative leadership, stressing that women should no longer be relegated to the background but should partner with men in nation-building.

“What I saw today is beyond my expectations. Women like the founder of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu, should be encouraged and brought closer to governance because when women are empowered and involved, Nigeria will be a better place,” he said.

He noted that women are agents of change, adding that when women are empowered or provided with opportunities and platforms to showcase their talents, an entire generation is empowered.

He lauded Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu for her initiative and uncommon passion in alleviating the plight of women and the less-privileged in Abia State and beyond.

He appealed to esteemed guests and other public-spirited individuals to support Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu in sustaining her laudable vision.

In her welcome address, the Founder of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu, thanked God for preserving their lives to host the 2026 Annual Women Conference.

She expressed deep appreciation to members of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative for their unwavering support, as well as to the special guests and other dignitaries for attending the landmark event, describing their presence as a testimony to the shared commitment to building a society where women and children are empowered, supported and positioned for lasting impact.

She noted with delight that the Initiative has remained steadfast in its vision of restoring hope, dignity and opportunity to women, children and vulnerable members of society through skills acquisition programmes, small-scale business development and other initiatives, thereby enabling many to become self-reliant.

She disclosed that PWEI has consistently invested in education as a cornerstone of sustainable development by supporting schoolchildren with learning materials and paying school fees for indigent pupils.

She stressed that their commitment to education stems from their belief that education is not a privilege for a few but a fundamental right every child deserves, irrespective of background or circumstance.

Speaking further, she said that the Initiative has also demonstrated compassion and practical support to widows and other vulnerable women by building houses for them, periodically distributing foodstuffs and wrappers, awarding scholarships to students in private and public schools, and registering many indigent students for WAEC and JAMB examinations, among others.

She appreciated partners, donors, volunteers and well-wishers for their continued support, describing them as the backbone of the PWEI and the driving force behind its efforts to touch lives, restore hope and build sustainable pathways for growth.

The conference lecture, titled “Building Women for Sustainable Development in Our Society,” was delivered by Prof. (Barr.) Mgbechi Chioma Ogbuji.

She expressed delight at what God is using the Founder of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu, to accomplish in the lives of women and the less-privileged, and prayed for continued divine blessings and protection.

She posited that education remains the foundation for building women and empowering them economically through skills acquisition, enabling them to participate effectively in economic, social and political life.

According to her, educated women help to reduce poverty, improve family health and raise enlightened future generations.

She emphasized the need for increased support for women’s education and empowerment, as well as the creation of opportunities for women in leadership positions, stressing that true and lasting development can only be achieved when women are fully empowered and actively involved in shaping society.

In conclusion, she stated that by educating, empowering and including women in leadership and decision-making processes, a secure, prosperous and sustainable future would be assured for Ukwa West LGA, Abia State and Nigeria at large.

Thereafter, presentation of gift items and unveiling of the Scholarship Scheme by the Founder of PWEI, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu followed.

She described education as the most potent instrument for empowerment, dignity and societal transformation, stressing that empowering one person through education ultimately empowers an entire community.

She disclosed that the scheme was designed to restore hope and create opportunities for children from less-privileged backgrounds, announcing an initial endowment of ₦10 million donated by the family of Chief and Mrs. Okey Kanu, and formally presented the cheque to the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative.

She said that the scholarship fund is a demonstration of her family’s commitment to education, empowerment and sustainable development, adding that through the scheme, barriers would be broken, hope restored and opportunities created for those who dare to dream but lack the means to actualize their dreams. The uncommon gesture drew resounding applause.

Other highlights of the event included a welcome song by the women, march-past, cutting of the conference cake, free eye tests conducted by a medical team, goodwill messages, cultural dances and the presentation of a wheelchair donated by Rotarian Nnanna Innocent Ogbuji to a physically challenged woman, Nwaola Christiana.

Overwhelmed with joy as she sat on the wheelchair, the beneficiary praised Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu for putting smile on her face.

She described the gift as life-transforming, noting that it would significantly enhance her mobility and independence.

She prayed that God would bless Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu abundantly and urged other physically challenged women to remain patient and trust in God, expressing hope that they would also be remembered one day.

In his goodwill message, a former Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government Area and Chairman of Chairmen, NALGON, Abia State, Chief Okey Kanu, traced the evolution of the Initiative, explaining that it began over two decades ago in Lagos as Daughters of Destiny before transforming into the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative.

He noted that the programme, which is non-political, has been sustained through divine grace, personal sacrifices and support from friends and partners within Nigeria.

According to him, his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu, has a natural passion for giving, and empowering people is an integral part of who she is.

He appreciated his wife for her unrelenting efforts in putting smiles on the faces of women and the less-privileged, adding that her actions are not borne out of excess wealth but a deliberate decision to serve humanity.

He assured her of his continued support and prayed that God would grant them long life, good health, renewed strength and greater resources to sustain it.

On her part, the President of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Ngozika Chibuike Kanu, a haematologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, described the annual women conference as a unifying platform for women to connect, celebrate and uplift one another.

She stated that the PWEI has consistently organized the conference for the past four years and expressed optimism that its reach would expand beyond Abia State in 2026.

She wished members of the PWEI continued progress in the New Year and prayed that the Almighty God would continue to bless the Founder, Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu, as she continues to put smiles on the faces of women and the less-privileged across the nation.

Also speaking, Elder (Dr.) Chibuike Emma Kanu, a retired employee of the Shell Petroleum Development Company and Team Leader of Chyvik Model School, Obehie, described the scholarship initiative as a strategic investment in human capital.

He advised the scholarship committee to ensure transparency and fairness, while urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity.

According to him, investment in education remains the most effective means of breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting long-term development.

He lauded Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu for her benevolence and compassion towards women and the less-privileged as well as unveiling the scholarship scheme with an initial endowment of ₦10 million.

He observed that the gesture was not a reflection of abundance but of deliberate sacrifice, noting that many with far greater resources fail to show similar compassion.

He aligned himself with the scholarship scheme and prayed that God would bless and replenish the donors’ resources, adding that if others emulated such generosity, society would be better for it.

Speaking on behalf of the Member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Comrade O. P. Ifeanyichukwu, Legislative Assistant to Hon. Chief Chris Nkwonta, described the PWEI as a legacy project with far-reaching impact adding that their passion for education, youth development and social development aligns with that of Hon. Chief Chris Nkwonta.

He disclosed that Hon. Nkwonta had, in 2023, donated 11 plots of land along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway to the Initiative for the establishment of a Skill Acquisition Centre, in addition to supporting several scholarship programmes and empowerment initiatives within and beyond his constituency.

He announced Hon. Chief Chris Nkwonta’s donation in support of the Scholarship Scheme adding that it would further strengthen their impact in advancing educational opportunities for women and the less-privileged.

He called on other public-spirited individuals to emulate Pastor (Mrs.) Orjiugo Okey Kanu and urged men to support women-led initiatives, noting that empowering women translates to national development.

At the end of the event, the results of the march-past competition were announced. Ugwunagbo LGA emerged first and received ₦100,000, Obingwa took second position with ₦50,000, while Ozaa Ukwu Ward in Ukwa West LGA and Umuaka in Ukwa East shared third position and received ₦35,000.

The event was a huge success and was expertly anchored by a renowned master of ceremonies, Sir Boniface Nwaigwe.

It attracted distinguished personalities, traditional rulers and women groups, including members of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), members of the Peculiar Women Empowerment Initiative from IPU East, IPU West, IPU South, Ozaa West, Ozaa Ukwu, Asa North, Asa South, Ogwe, Obuzor, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Obingwa, Aba North, Aba South, Ugwunagbo and the Owerri Branch, Imo State, as well as Women Living with Disabilities.

Prominent among those present were Hon. Stanley Okechukwu Eche (Eze-elect, Obuzor Ukwu, Asa), Dr. Nkem Lucky Eliogu, Hon. Ubani Ogbonna, HRM Eze Callistus Dimgba, HRH Eze Ndubuisi Okwuchi, Engr. Lloyd Nwarie, Hon. Tony Mezie Nwaubani (former member representing Ukwa West State Constituency), Hon. Dominican Ulunwa Onyike (Majority Leader, Ukwa West Legislative Council), Dr. Chibuike Emma Kanu (CEO/MD, Chyvik Model School), Comrade O. P. Ifeanyichukwu, Hon. Chidiebere Nwogu (former Leader, Ukwa West Legislative Council) and Mrs. Agnes Okoroafia (Abia State President of NCWS) among others.

The conference climaxed with a closing prayer by Rev. Prince Precious Nnanna (Bishop-elect), followed by merriment.

The 2026 PWEI Annual Conference reaffirmed the Initiative’s commitment to empowering women, supporting the vulnerable and promoting education as a pathway to sustainable development.

Participants commended the Founder and her team for their vision and consistency, expressing optimism that the Initiative’s impact would continue to expand across Nigeria.