Historic Women of Abia to Be Immortalised Through State Monuments

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced that his administration will approve the erection of monuments to honour the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising and other historic women in the state.

The governor made this disclosure on Wednesday during the burial ceremony of the late Mrs Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the Bende North State Constituency Lawmaker, Mr Nnamdi Ibekwe, in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area. He stated that the monuments would recognize the contributions of these heroic women to society and history, serving as encouragement to women who have contributed significantly to societal growth.
“I want to thank the honourable member for the request he made here because the request was not about him and it was not even about Chiamaka; it was about Abia women from inception. Our women have always been great women. If you do not know, then you do not know history. We have come to the level where somehow, either knowingly or unknowingly, we have refused to give women their due recognition. I want to assure you that it is not only going to be considered, but it is going to be approved,” Otti said.
He emphasized that the recognition would encourage women who have worked tirelessly to sustain homes, businesses, and society at large. He further highlighted the central role of women in food production, children’s education, and economic stability, stressing that they must be accorded proper recognition.
The governor also lamented the absence of female lawmakers in the State House of Assembly and advocated for greater inclusion of women in governance.
Describing the late Mrs Ibekwe as a divine gift, Otti urged mourners not to grieve like those without hope, expressing confidence that she was in a better place.
In an emotional tribute, Mr Ibekwe described his late wife as a “paragon of peace” and “tranquilliser,” praising her prayerfulness and exceptional impact on many lives. He renewed his motion in the House of Assembly for monuments honoring historic women, especially the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising, urging the governor to support the initiative.
“Your Excellency, I want to request that monuments be erected in honour of the heroines of 1929. If you do this, Chiamaka will rest in peace,” he said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghaukwa, described the deceased as a virtuous woman, mentor, and role model, whose absence would create a significant void. Mrs Eucharia Okezie, representing the wives of members of the State House of Assembly, said Mrs Ibekwe was a prayer warrior who shared the message of Christ among her colleagues.
Pastor Mrs Oyiks Alfred of Word Based Assembly encouraged mourners to reflect on their lives and embrace God. Earlier, the deceased’s second son, Master Chimezirim Ibekwe, described his mother as a devoted wife, loving mother, and quiet philanthropist whose legacy continues through the lives she touched.