he Annual General Assembly of the Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET) turned into a grand celebration of leadership, inclusion and excellence as the organization conferred its Grand Patron Award on the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to women empowerment and inclusive governance.

The event, held in Enugu and attended by women leaders, political stakeholders, professionals and community influencers, highlighted the growing impact of women-centered advocacy in the state. Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, was specially honoured for deliberately increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes since assuming office.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Professor Onyia described the honour as a reflection of the administration’s strong belief that sustainable development is only achievable when women are fully integrated into governance. He noted that under Governor Mbah’s leadership, women occupy key strategic positions across ministries, agencies and institutions, not as a result of tokenism but because of their competence and capacity to deliver. According to him, the Governor’s philosophy is anchored on merit, innovation and inclusion, stressing that gender has never been a limiting factor in appointments.

Professor Onyia, who was also honoured with an award by WOSCONET, commended the organization for creating a platform that promotes unity among women and amplifies their voices in governance and development. He urged women to remain steadfast in supporting policies and leadership that prioritize equity, empowerment and progress, while describing the theme of the Assembly, “She Wins: Bold Steps, Brave Hearts, Big Wins,” as a powerful reflection of the courage and determination required for women to thrive in leadership.

In her address, the Founder of WOSCONET, Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, said the decision to honour Governor Mbah as Grand Patron was deliberate and well-deserved. She noted that the Governor has consistently demonstrated that gender inclusion is not a slogan but a guiding principle of his administration.

Ambassador Nweke highlighted the presence of women heading critical sectors in the state, including technical education, tourism, gender-related portfolios and other key areas, describing it as a clear testament to the Governor’s progressive vision.
She further stated that the award symbolizes appreciation for a leader who has provided an enabling environment for women to excel locally and internationally.

Also speaking, the President of WOSCONET, Mrs. Patience Ezeaku, explained that the Annual General Assembly was designed not only to review the network’s activities but also to celebrate individuals who have stood out as allies of women empowerment. She said the awards presented during the event were meant to encourage leaders and stakeholders who have consistently supported women-focused initiatives and community development. Mrs. Ezeaku reaffirmed the network’s commitment to expanding its impact, strengthening partnerships and raising more women leaders across sectors.

Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to other distinguished personalities who have contributed to women empowerment and social development in Enugu State. Among those honoured were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, and the Caretaker Committee Women Leader of APC Enugu State, in recognition of their support for women inclusion and political participation.

In his remarks after receiving the award, the APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, expressed gratitude to WOSCONET for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to do more for women. He praised Governor Mbah for his development-driven leadership and prayed for greater unity among women, urging them to take bold steps towards economic and political empowerment.

Dr. Nwoye went further to commend the Founder of WOSCONET, Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, describing her as a clear example of what happens when opportunity meets competence. He noted that her appointment by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as a Commissioner in the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission reflects the Governor’s belief in merit and capacity rather than gender. He further applauded her recent international feat, where she represented Enugu State at a water conference in Morocco and emerged as an award recipient, making history as the first Black African woman to clinch the prestigious award. According to him, this achievement has not only elevated her personal profile but has also projected Enugu State positively on the global stage.

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages and a keynote reflection on the theme of the Assembly, delivered by Barrister Chimfumnanya Nwangwu, who challenged women to reject mediocrity, embrace excellence and courageously pursue their aspirations.


One of the high points of the assembly was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have supported women empowerment and community development. Award recipients included Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Dr. Ben Nwoye, the APC Caretaker Committee Women Leader in Enugu State, while Humanitarian Awards were presented to Engineer Chidi Nweke and Mr. Kingsley Ugonna, the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Dr. Vitalis Ndu, WaterAid lead Enugu, Mr Solomon Akpanufot, Mr Bolatito Gabriel WASH specialist UNICEF, were also honoured for their steadfast support, alongside other awardees such as Mrs. Onyeka Udegbunam, Her Royal Highness Ugoeze Dr. Mrs Adaobi Ogbu, wife of the Igwe of Nara Unateze Kingdom and the State Coordinator of WASH and a host of others.

The WOSCONET Annual General Assembly stood as a powerful statement of appreciation for leadership that prioritizes inclusion, celebrates excellence and recognizes the transformative role of women in governance and development, with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s Grand Patron Award emerging as the defining symbol of the event.