The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, have pledged to medically empower communities, uplifting women and children through ethical leadership.
The Association also officially installed Dr. Nkiruka Bridget Uche-Nwidagu as its 12th president during a colourful ceremony at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, the State Capital.
The event drew medical professionals, government representatives, and development partners across the state, including the governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma.
The Chief Medical Director, David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital Uburu, Professor Uzoma Agwu, said the Association has planned to ensure the general well-being of women in various communities.
In her valedictory speech, the outgoing president, Dr. Lilian Nwobashi expressed deep gratitude to members of the association for what she described as a collective achievement.
She highlighted major milestones recorded under her leadership, including statewide schistosomiasis campaigns executed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, as well as extensive radio and television sensitization efforts.
According to her, the association distributed “more than 3,000 personal hygiene packs to schoolgirls and over 400 dignity kits to survivors of gender-based violence. MWAN Ebonyi also carried out multiple screening programmes for residents, covering cervical and prostate cancer, hepatitis B and C, hypertension, obesity and breast examinations, including self-breast examination training.”
Dr. Nwobashi added that the chapter produced over 82 radio programmes and 28 television broadcasts aimed at improving public health awareness. She further disclosed that MWAN Ebonyi successfully hosted the association’s national secretariat in the state for the first time — a development she described as historic.
She expressed appreciation to her executive team for their loyalty, dedication, and support throughout the biennium, noting that every milestone achieved was “a collective victory.”
In her acceptance remarks, the new president, Dr. Nkiruka Uche-Nwidagu described her emergence as both an honour and a divine assignment. She pledged to uphold ethical leadership, integrity, and excellence as she leads the association into a new phase.
The theme for the event is “Empowering Community Health: Transforming Women and Children’s Well-Being Through Ethical Leadership,” while the sub-theme is: “One MWAN, One Vision; Empowering Communities, Uplifting Women and Children, Advancing Ethical Leadership.”