Nwabekee Honoured as ‘Rising Star’ by ACU Women Wing at 2026 August Meeting
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Goddey Onyewuchi Nwabekee, has been honoured with a Community Leadership Merit Award as a “Rising Star” by the Agwa Central Union (ACU) Women Wing.
Nwabekee received the award at the 2026 ACU Women Wing August Meeting held on Saturday, August 15, at Double Day Hotel and Suites, Owerri, Imo State.
The colourful gathering brought together Agwa women from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Anambra, Aba, Enugu and Owerri, as well as community leaders, professionals, political figures and other distinguished guests.
The event provided an opportunity for the women to celebrate community achievements, promote unity and reaffirm their commitment to development, women’s participation in community affairs, peacebuilding and the welfare of Agwa.
Addressing the gathering, the President-General of the ACU Women Wing, Lady Dorothy Utazi, PhD, commended the women for their sustained contributions to the development of Agwa.
She also acknowledged the leadership of the Agwa Central Union under its President-General, Mr. Nduka Ozor, for promoting initiatives aimed at improving the community, in line with the union’s slogan, “Agwa Must Be Better in Our Time.”
Utazi described Nwabekee as a man of simplicity, humility, hard work and commitment to community service, saying his support for the women and community development informed the decision to honour him.
“On behalf of ACU Women Wing, we are proud of your position in Agwa, continued support and partnership in collective development. We therefore present this Award of a Rising Star to you in recognition of your massive support to the women and community development,” she said.
Responding, Nwabekee expressed appreciation to the women for the recognition and commended their contributions to peacebuilding, security, education and other community initiatives.
He particularly praised the women for supporting the Agwa Vigilante through regular donations and for their commitment to the construction of the Agwa Women Multipurpose Hall.
Nwabekee, who attended the gathering with his wife, friends and members of his media team, also spoke about his personal connection with women.
He explained that he lost his mother at a very tender age and was subsequently raised with significant support from one of his aunties, a background he said strengthened his bond with women.
He used the occasion to formally introduce himself and his political ambition to the women.
“I am Hon. Goddey Onyewuchi Nwabekee, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly. By the special grace of God, I am running the election on behalf of Agwa, and my reasons are simple: development of Oguta with the resources of Oguta,” he said.
Nwabekee pledged that, if elected in 2027, he would work to serve the interests of the people of Oguta State Constituency and promote development-oriented representation.
He clarified that his attendance was not intended as a campaign trip but an opportunity to identify with the women, introduce himself and explain his political aspiration.
As part of his support for the women, Nwabekee donated N200,000 to the ACU Women Wing. His wife donated N50,000, while his friend, Mr. Theddeaus Chibuzor Odunze, popularly known as Nwa Father, also contributed N50,000.
Nwabekee further pledged to sustain his support for the women and community development initiatives in Agwa.
Appreciating the donations, Utazi thanked Nwabekee, his wife and Odunze for their generosity and presence at the gathering.
The award segment also recognised several individuals for their contributions to community development. Prof. Humphrey Chukwuemeka Ugo and Dr. Kevin Ihetu received the Community Development Giant Stride Award, while Mrs. Chinyere Amanze Obi, General Treasurer of the ACU Women Wing, was among the other distinguished award recipients.
Also honoured were Mrs. Celestina Kelechi Nwaeze, Dr. Kelechi Achilike, Prince Chidi Nwaokeocha (Ezembi), Mr. Cajetan Onuegbu, and Nwabekee.
Hon. Emma Onwuzugha received the Community Giant Stride Award, while Pharm. Godson Egbulugha was also recognised during the ceremony.
The event was coordinated by a planning committee comprising Mrs. Vivian Amanfor, Chairperson; Mrs. Onwuzugha Rebecca, Financial Secretary; and Mrs. Akudo Achuokwu, Award Planning Committee Secretary.
Women leaders who participated included Mrs. Faith Nwanochi, Lagos State Chairlady; Mrs. Kelechi Nwaeze, Owerri Chairlady; Mrs. Onyinyechi, Aba Chairlady; Mrs. Pauline Ugwuakolam, Onitsha Chairlady; Mrs. Ngozi Anayaegwu, Enugu Chairlady; and Mrs. Nkeiru Uzoma, Port Harcourt Chairlady.
Other notable personalities included Hon. Amanze Obi, PhD, former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Imo State under former Governor Ikedi Ohakim; Kuti Umezuruike; community leaders and other stakeholders.
The 2026 August Meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the ACU Women Wing to community development, women’s participation in decision-making, peacebuilding and the completion of the Agwa Women Multipurpose Hall.
