~ Sues for Peace in Nimo
A women’s group in Nimo, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, Nimo Women for Peace Foundation, NWFP, has decried what it describes as the low participation of women in the nation’s politics. The Executive Secretary of the group, Mrs Esther Uyanna, who stated this shortly after the group’s activities marking the International Women’s Day in the community, says despite constitutional provisions and Nigeria being a signatory to international commitments promoting gender equality, women still face significant barriers to political participation and representation.
Nimo Women Foundation for Peace was birthed from a peace initiative that started in October 2023 to partner with Nimo indigenes worldwide to bring enduring peace in Nimo. Since then it has been providing financial aid to support medical needs and shelter for a few Nimo women in need. It had its first public outing on 8 March in which it celebrated Nimo womanhood.
Speaking on the low participation of women in national politics, Uyanna observed that in the current National Assembly, less than 10 out of the 109 senators were women, while in the House of Representatives, less than 20 out of 360 members were women.
‘In some state assemblies there is only one woman, with Ekiti recording the highest with only 6 seats as women. This appears to be a decline from previous years, showing a slow or even worsening progress for gender equality.
‘Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, only one woman, Dame Virgy Etiaba (Anambra, 2006–2007), has served as Governor—and that was even in an acting capacity,’ she regretted.
‘While women have been appointed as Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, and Heads of Agencies, they are still quite underrepresented, given the wealth of knowledge and experience that they can bring to the table,’ Uyanna further observed.
She called for the strengthening of legal frameworks, political will and a mindset shift to promote women’s participation in Nigerian politics.
Contributing, Mrs. Cecilia Isineyi, President of Nimo Women for Peace Foundation, speaking on their day’s activities, said they took off for their walk for life from Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church through Ezi Onya-Abba-Uruzu-Ifite-Ani axis down to Egwegwe Square
‘At the end of our activities at the Square, the leadership of the Foundation paid a courtesy visit to HRH, Igwe Maxi Oliobi, Owelle of Nimo.
‘He was unavoidably absent, but was represented by two of his cabinet members, Chief Ndubisi Obi, and Chief Emmanuel Ndubisi. We discussed some of the aims and objectives of the Foundation. We also talked about the crisis, bedeviling our community. The representatives promised to convey our message to Owelle Nimo once he returned. They assured us that the Palace was ready for round table discussion on the ways to end the crisis in Nimo.
‘We equally visited the Nimo Town Union Secretariat to meet with the President General, Engr. Dan Zelunjo Anakpe, but met his absence. When contacted over the phone that we were around for the meeting as discussed, he apologised, saying he travelled to Abuja on the evening of Friday, 7th March, for an urgent matter. He promised to inform us once he comes back from his trip. We are desirous to talk with him, and we will get back to him once he returns,’ Mrs Isineyi said.
On the crisis in the town, she said they had held a series of prayer sessions for peace to return to the town; as well as booked Novena Masses in all the Catholic Churches and the Anglican Church in the town.
‘As we speak, we just ended another prayer session last week, and the Novena Masses recently booked will end this week,’ she disclosed.
She recalled previous efforts at engendering peace in the town, starting from 2023, when they held virtual meetings with the town’s monarch; the then town union leadership; members of a group called Nimo Leaders of Thought, represented by Barr. Chuks Okonkwo; Valentine Nwike Oliobi; Uchenna Isikala and Chief Nwaobachili.
‘We also met with Barr. Peter Afuba, SAN; Chief Emmanuel Ndubisi; the current youth executive; the sand miner at Owa, Chief Sunday Otugo; and Chief Awagu, who, we were told, was in-charge of giving compensation to those whose crops were destroyed at Owa.
‘All the meetings were centred on the reason for the crisis and how peace could return in Nimo,’ Mrs Isineyi said.
For her part, Mrs Chinwe Onya, Publicity Secretary, NWFP and Chairperson, Committee for NWFP International Women’s Day Celebration, said the group celebrated the International Women’s Day, 2025, to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide.
‘The message intended to be passed in line with the theme of this year’s celebration was one of empowerment, equality, and celebration of womanhood. It emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s rights as human rights and acknowledging the significant role women play in shaping the world.
‘By accelerating action, we can create a more just and equitable world for all, where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential,’ she said.
