By Matthew Johnson

The Asaba Development Union has honored former first lady of Nigeria, late Mrs. Maryam Babangida and Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, alongside two other distinguished personalities, with awards of recognition for their contributions to development and humanitarian impact associated with Asaba.

Speaking during the award ceremony the President-General of ADU, Mrs JeanRose Amaka, described the honourees as role models that Asaba women are looking up to be like them.

“Growing up in my early years I have always looked up to them and admire them and desire to make impact in the lives of humanity like they have done. And this Award of recognition is just to acknowledge them and to challenge others that the world is watching our actions”, she said.

She commended Olejeme for her leadership role, community mobilisation and developmental strides , noting that Asaba had benefited from the human development impact of Olejeme, assuring her that the people of Asaba will continue to appreciate and acknowledge her developmental impact in in the society.

Also speaking at the event, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, called for a re-examination of traditional practices that discriminate against women and deny them inheritance rights. He urged communities to discard obsolete customs and adopt progressive standards comparable to those in more advanced societies.

Azinge highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his reign, including the donation of dialysis equipment to the Federal Medical Centre Asaba and the Asaba Specialist Hospital, building of School, Scholarship, Community leadership, Securing lives and properties as well as the forthcoming empowerment programme schedule for 100 Asaba indigenes during the weekend.

Olejeme commended the Asaba community for recognising her contributions to the community and human capital development. She dedicated the award to God and pledged to continue supporting the development of Asaba and Delta State.While she called on Nigerians to support the administration of president Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, in their efforts to make more impact.

The Inaugural Annual lecture and Award Ceremony, which took place at the Mariam Babangida Women Develop Center, opposite CBN in Abuja, was attended by prominent personalities such as Asagba of Asaba Epiphany Azinge; President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide, Senator John Mbata; Mrs Faith Majemite and Mrs Aisha Abu, programme Coordinator, Better Life for rural Women.