NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
Ngor-Okpala stood still on 4th January, 2026, if only for a moment, as daughters of the soil gathered to give shape and voice to a vision that has quietly matured over five years. The mega inauguration of the Ngor Okpala Daughters Association (NODA) was not merely ceremonial; it was a confident public declaration of intent by women who have chosen service as their language and community as their cause.
From early afternoon, the venue filled steadily with traditional rulers, elected officials, community leaders, women groups, youths and well-wishers. There was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in the air, one that comes when a people recognize that something meaningful is unfolding before them.
After the opening prayers and the national anthem, the roll call of dignitaries set the tone for the day. Present were respected monarchs including HRH Eze Engr. Fred Nwachukwu, HRH Eze Dr. Obinna Eziakonwa (Asa I of Okpala), and Eze Ambassador Dr. Chuks Ihenetu (Eze Ohazurume, Eze Ndi Igbo na Ghana), alongside lawmakers and community leaders. Also in attendance were Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Member representing Aboh-Mbaise/Ngor-Okpala Federal Constituency; High Chief Mrs. Chika Ibekwu, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Chairperson; Hon. Matthew Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu); High Chief Emeka Eziakonwa (Ikemba I of Okpala); Chief Mrs. Tina Ihuka (Abuba Ugo I); Hon. Chief Sylvester Chidi Eke; and High Chief Rufina Onyechere-Nweka, Deputy Woman Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo UK & Ireland, among many other notable personalities.
When the Founder and National President, Ezi Ada Stephanie Chijioke Frank, mounted the podium, the applause that greeted her spoke volumes. Her opening remarks were warm, reflective, and firm, grounded in gratitude to God and appreciation to stakeholders who have sustained the association’s journey since its formation on 16th December, 2020. She reminded the audience that NODA’s story did not begin on inauguration day. Over the past five years, the association has implemented community-focused interventions, including hygiene projects in public schools, support for widows, and empowerment programmes for women and youths, most notably its flagship initiative, PADUP THE GIRL CHILD.
The keynote address by Prof. (Princess) Nnenna Nwanyinma Nwosu-Nworu gave intellectual depth to the gathering. Anchored on the theme, Strategic Impacts of Women in Community Development, her address challenged long-held assumptions about women’s roles, while affirming that sustainable development is impossible without deliberate female participation and leadership. It was one of those moments when applause followed not just passion, but conviction.
The inauguration of NODA branches followed, symbolically extending the association’s reach and reinforcing its grassroots orientation. Cultural performances by the Okata Theatre of Ngor-Okpala added colour and rhythm, reminding everyone that development is strongest when culture and progress walk hand in hand.
One of the high points of the event was the award segment, where NODA honoured individuals whose contributions have left visible marks on Ngor-Okpala and beyond. Recipients included Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi (Ugosinachi Ndi Ngor Nile), High Chief Kingsley Dikibo (Ezi Nwa Ndi Ngor Nile), Attorney Dr. Matthew Nwogu (Ugwu Mba Ndi Ngor Nile), High Chief Rufina Onyechere-Nweka (Nwa Ada Ngor-Okpala Ji Emeonu), Mrs. Carol Etoama (Ugochinyere Ngor-Okpala), Chief Emeka Eziakonwa (Ebekwu Dike Ndi Ngor Nile), Ezi Ada Stephanie Frank (Adaturu Ugo Ndi Ngor Nile), and Chief Mrs. Tina Ihuka (Anyanwu Otutu Ngor-Okpala). Each award was met with resounding applause, a reflection of their tangible impact on the community.
Beyond awards and speeches, the inauguration revealed NODA’s roadmap for the future: scholarships for deserving youths, expanded empowerment for women and the girl-child, skill acquisition centres to promote self-reliance, traders’ support schemes, and mother-and-child welfare programmes. The association also made its position clear on governance and security, pledging to engage constructively yet firmly with leaders to ensure Ngor-Okpala does not lag behind in safety, accountability, and development.
The event wound down with a vote of thanks delivered by Chief Mrs. Tina Ihuka, followed by music, dance, and fellowship, it became evident that NODA’s strength lies not only in its programmes, but in its clarity of purpose. This was not an inauguration driven by fanfare, but by conviction.
4th January, 2026, will be remembered in Ngor-Okpala not simply as the day an association was inaugurated, but as the moment its daughters collectively declared: we are here, we are ready, and we are committed to building our community strategically, sustainably, and together.
Njoku Macdonald Obinna, an eye witness reporter and award – winning media personality.
Media Consultant|Newspaper Communist|Public Analyst|PR- Expert
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.