By Benjamin Njoku

Mothers are the backbone of the family and the soul of society. Without them, there is no home, no culture, no future.

That was the resounding message from the women Wing of the Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union ,ECDU, during the maiden edition of their ‘motherhood celebration’ in Lagos, last Sunday.

The event, held at Enugwu-Ukwu Hall, Lakeview Estate, Festac, went beyond the usual fanfare. It was a powerful tribute to mothers and a showcase of the values, heritage and culture of Enugwu-Ukwu people

Attendees, mostly women, men, families, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts turned out in vibrant traditional attire, displaying the unity, identity and appreciation of motherhood.

Prayers, performances, and cultural displays filled the day, all pointing to the vital role mothers play in nurturing families and communities together.

The highlight was the unveiling of “Mama’s Pot,” a cultural culinary exhibition of Enugwu-Ukwu local delicacies. It celebrated mothers’ legacy, with every dish telling a story of the people’s heritage and roots. Favourites on display included Ukpo Nwegede, Ukwa, Abacha, Akidi, Fio-fio, Oge Anugbu, Ede Agworo Agwo, and Jollof rice. For many, it was more than food, it was mothers’ legacy served on a platter.

Speaking on the theme, “Mothers as Pillars of the Home and Society: The Challenges and Expectations,” Mrs. Ebele Nwokoye described mothers as “helpmeets to fathers and guiding lights for children” who invest their lives, time, and emotions for family welfare.

She acknowledged the heavy demands of motherhood but urged women to resist temptation and navigate challenges with wisdom.

“The strength of a good mother is tested when external pressures shake the pillars of the home,” she said, advising decorum and resilience.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ifeoma Okekearu, President of ECDU Women’s Wing, Lagos Branch, said the event called for a moment for reflection. “Celebrating motherhood means appreciating the women who give so much of themselves for others,” she noted.

According to her, motherhood remains one of society’s most powerful institutions, shaping values, nurturing future generations, and sustaining the social fabric of communities.

Mrs. Okekearu announced that the celebration will become an annual ritual for Enugwu-Ukwu women in Lagos. “In our union, we haven’t celebrated motherhood before now, except in churches on Mother’s Day. This will be my legacy project. Every year, we will celebrate mothers in a unique way,” she said.

The colourful event also strengthened bonds among women, men and friends of Enugwu-Ukwu community. It equally served as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity in an increasingly globalized landscape. The ECDU Women president stressed the need to pass traditional values, language, customs, and family heritage to younger generations to ensure they remain connected to their roots.

The event witnessed the presentation of special awards to deserving couples, indigenes and prominent figures in Enugwu-Ukwu community. Community leaders commended the women for initiating the programme, describing it as a timely intervention that promotes unity, cultural continuity, and intergenerational learning. Among eminent personalities in attendance were HRM, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh (Okpalanakana Ukabia Nri V), Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, represented by His Royal Highness, Eze Ozonkpu Sir Augustine A. Ebisi (Ezeudo Ojodu Kingdom), Omentuka Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri. Others were Ozonkpu Barr. Jude Ekwunife (Okwuatuegwu Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri), chairman of the occasion; Chief Theodore Omalu (Ozonkpu Ukwachinaka Enugwu-Ugwu na Umunri), Special Guest of Honour, and Chief C.J Okekearu (Okutalukwe IV Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, Chief Unveiler