…Empower over 220 vulnerable persons
By Stanley Okehie
No fewer than 220 vulnerable members of Onicha Ama Iri in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area have been empowered by the Thelema Lion Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to uplifting disadvantaged persons and promoting social inclusion.
The empowerment exercise, held in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), took place at Central School, Ezi East, Umueleagwa, Onicha Mbaise.
It featured training sessions and the distribution of empowerment items including maize, okro, pepper and green vegetable seedlings, grinding machines, sewing machines, plumbing toolboxes, filing machines, generators, sprayers and hair dryers, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Thelema Lion Foundation, Dr. Lilian Ifeoma Agu, said the organization remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable and empowered society.
She explained that the programme was organised to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed: “Economic Empowerment: A Safeguard for Gender Equity and Human Rights.”
Dr. Agu noted that the link between economic power and social freedom remains evident across communities, stressing that when women are economically empowered, they gain not only financial independence but also a voice, choice and the dignity to live free from discrimination and oppression.
She further emphasized that economic empowerment entails access to education, opportunities, resources and decision-making spaces, describing it as a vital tool for safeguarding gender equity and advancing human rights.
The Foundation’s founder expressed appreciation to the NHRC for its partnership, commending what she described as the Commission’s unwavering commitment to justice, dignity and the protection of human rights.
In his address, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, appreciated individuals, organizations and partners whose collaboration ensured the success of the event.
Dr. Ojukwu, who was represented by the Imo State Coordinator of NHRC, Dr. Valentine Madubuko, highlighted key aspects of gender and human rights, including fundamental rights, non-discrimination, combating violence, legal frameworks, as well as global progress and existing gaps.
He noted that the symposium provided participants with adequate knowledge of their rights and issues associated with human rights protection and promotion, pledging the Commission’s continued support for programmes that align with its mandate.
The traditional ruler of Onicha Nworie Autonomous Community, Eze Jude Alozie, and his counterpart from Onicha Nwenkwo, Eze Ifeanyi Uwahemu, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for empowering members of their communities.
They particularly commended their son, Dr. Tony Ojukwu for facilitating the programme and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to improve their livelihoods.
Some beneficiaries, including a physically challenged Mrs. Onwuegbule Chinonso, who received a grinding machine, and Mrs. Mercy Nwampirii, who got maize, okro and green vegetable seedlings, expressed appreciation to the Foundation and pledged to make good use of the items.
Other beneficiaries, Nwahiri Daniel, who received a sewing machine, and Nze Godwin Ama, who got a plumbing toolbox, said the support would help them become self-reliant.