The ancient town of Urualla came alive with colour, culture and the rich traditional energy of womanhood as women from the 14 wards of Ideato North Local Government Area gathered in large numbers for the grand finale of the 2026 Ideato North women August Meeting.
The event brought together generations of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and friends, in a colourful celebration of a cherished annual tradition that continues to strengthen family bonds, promote unity and preserve the cultural heritage of the Ideato people and the wider Igbo nation.
Beyond the match-pass, music, pageantry and eye-catching uniforms, the gathering featured a thought-provoking lecture by Lady Dr. Anulika Ogechukwu Umeh, a university scholar and specialist in Crop Genetics and Breeding.
Speaking on the theme, “Thread of Culture, Voices of Progress,” Dr Umeh made a passionate case for a return to the cultivation and consumption of highly nutritious indigenous crops and vegetables, which she said are essential to good health, longevity and the preservation of cultural identity.
According to her, indigenous foods such as yam, cocoyam, maize, cucumber, ogiri, ndudu, ugu, nchanwu, anyu and tomato agwo should not be allowed to disappear from the tables and farms of the people.
“These indigenous foods bring with them the strength of our families, the richness of our culture and the hope of our communities,” she declared, stressing that the knowledge and benefits associated with such crops must be deliberately passed down to younger generations.
In an interactive presentation that reflected her experience as a seasoned teacher and researcher, Dr, Umeh dwelt extensively on Anyu, Nchanwu and Tomato Agwo, highlighting their nutritional and medicinal values. She noted that research continues to demonstrate the health benefits associated with indigenous foods, adding, “We must begin to appreciate what nature has given to us.
“Our local crops are not inferior foods; they are nutritious resources with enormous health benefits.”
She particularly described anyu and nchanwu as plants with strong medicinal properties, while explaining that tomato agwo could be consumed at different stages and used both as food and for its nutritional value.
The lecture was greeted with a standing ovation by the women and other guests, who applauded Dr. Umeh for combining scientific knowledge with practical lessons relevant to everyday family life.
Among the dignitaries present at the occasion were the Chairman of Ideato North LGA, Hon. Arc. Chinonso Okpalaeke, and his wife, Hon. Mrs Onyinyechi Okparaeke; the Southeast National Ex-officio of APC and the Director-General of Divine Mandate Campaign Organization, Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh.
Others were; the member representing Ideato North State Constituency, Hon. Okey Udeze; the Federal Constituency candidate of APC, Hon Nnenna Anyama, APC Chairman of Ideato North, Hon. Chigozie Unogu; Executive Vice Chairman of Ideato Nation, Hon. Kate Osigwe.
The list further included; the apex leader of Ideato Nation, Chief Humphrey Ikeaka Snr, Ikezuoagu; former IMC Chairman of Ideato South LGA, Hon. Bede Ikeaka; APC candidate for Ideato South State Constituency, Hon. Godspower Onyeibe; former IMC Chairman of Ideato North LGA, Hon. Uche Mbadiwe; former Imo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Josephine Udorji; Hon. Doro C. Nwaorji, Hon. Love Udensi, Hon. Chinonye Nnawuihe and Hon. Chinyere Egwuekwe.
It also included; Hon Ijara Izuchukwu, alongside other Councillors and distinguished guests, the 14 ward women groups and several support groups.
The gathering once again demonstrated that the Ideato North August Meeting remains not only a celebration of womanhood and culture, but also a platform for enlightenment, progress and collective development.
However, the Chairperson of the LGA, Hon. Onyinyechi Okparaeke used the forum to empower some indigent women from the 14 wards of Ideato North with cash and materials, to help them start or support their different sources of livelihood.
The materials included popcorn making pots, with gas cylinders, frying pans with tripod stands, grinding machines, wheelbarrows with farm implements, among others.
Discover more from The STATESMAN Newspaper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Post Disclaimer
THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the stories hereon as the statements are purely of the news makers.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER.
Contact:
