The Wife of the Council Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mrs. Sylvia Aka Eze Aka, has launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Child Abuse, setting the tone for an intensified grassroots campaign to curb the rising incidents of child exploitation and violence in the area.

The event, held at the Udenu LGA Headquarters, opened with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Casmire Nnaemeka Urama, signalling a solemn start to a programme focused on strengthening child protection systems and community vigilance.

The First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, was represented by Comrade Egodi Blessing Igwe, Managing Director of Custoscare Foundation.

Delivering the state’s message, Comrade Igwe said the 16-day global mobilisation remains a critical reminder that children must be guaranteed safety, dignity, love, and the freedom to speak out.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the state and the local government to sustained advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives targeted at eliminating all forms of abuse.

The gathering drew students, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and community leaders, reflecting a broad coalition rallying around the need for stronger child protection structures.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Aka Eze Aka, restated the council’s determination to safeguard children, support vulnerable families, and promote early reporting of abuse.

It featured a student drama performance illustrating the emotional and social consequences of abuse, as well as cultural and musical presentations by St. Patrick’s College, Obollo Eke, and the Udenu Women.

Two technical sessions anchored the day. Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Urama focused on the importance of community vigilance, early intervention, and proper reporting channels. Comrade Igwe’s lecture outlined practical strategies families and communities can deploy to protect children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Traditional rulers and the Secretary to the Local Government delivered goodwill messages, calling for deeper collaboration among government agencies, households, schools, and community custodians to tackle the growing challenge.

As part of the empowerment initiative, essential items including food supplies, rice, sanitary pads, school bags, and groundnut oil were distributed to women, schoolgirls, and vulnerable households.

The 16-day campaign will continue across Udenu LGA with expanded sensitisation efforts aimed at reinforcing community responsibility, improving response mechanisms, and ensuring a safer environment for every child.

The lawmaker representing Ezeagu at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chima Obieze, has pledged to assist the Nigeria Correctional Centre to revamp the abandoned juvenile reformatory home in the state.

Obieze made the pledge when he visited the home known as the Borstal Training Institute (BTI), in Enugu, to ascertain the challenges hindering the 93 year-old institution from becoming operational.

He said the visit was part of the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Enugu and also to know why the only Borstal training institution in the South-east and South-south was not functional.

Obieze, who is also a legal practitioner, appreciated the Controller of Corrections, Mrs Prisca Oku and Principal of the institute, Mrs Onwudiwe for their relentless efforts and contributions to sustain the institute.

He equally promised to move a legislative motion urging the state government to partner with Nigerian Correctional Service where necessary, in making sure that the training institute was back to life.

Earlier, the principal commended the lawmaker for visiting the school, saying that the training institute which meant to serve juvenile offenders from the South-East and South-South had been abandoned for decades.

She called on state government, well-meaning individuals to partner the Nigerian correctional service under the leadership of the Controller-Genaral of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, to bring the institute back to life.

The principal prayed that such visits and partnership would be sustained to refine young offenders to become better persons in the society.

“So this your visit is a welcome development,” she said.

I have a habit of seeing editions of ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’ by Glitch Africa Studios. That podcast consumes a large chunk of my data but I must say it’s worth it. Though there are areas of improvement on the part of the presenters but I dare say they are doing a great job.

So when I came across the story of Olajumoke the breadseller and how she disappeared from limelight, I told myself, life is rarely a straight road. For many, the path twists and turns, with moments of glory followed by seasons of struggle. Few Nigerian stories capture this truth as vividly as that of Olajumoke Orisaguna, the famous “Bread Seller turned Model”, and the quiet, very quiet and unassuming heroism of Azuka Ogujiuba, the woman who welcomed her back when the lights dimmed.

Olajumoke’s tale burst into national consciousness in 2016, when a chance photograph by TY Bello the famous ‘The Land is Green’ crooner catapulted a humble bread hawker from the streets of Lagos into the glamorous world of fashion. Her face appeared on magazine covers, endorsement deals rolled in, and she became the symbol of how destiny can change in an instant. Nigerians cheered. It was the fairy tale of the decade.

But fairy tales are fragile. The weight of sudden fame, coupled with inexperience, illiteracy, and poor counsel, made Olajumoke vulnerable.

In her meteoric rise, Olajumoke came across Mrs Azuka Ogujiuba who she described during the podcast as her angel who took her as a daughter, helped her secure modeling deals and never demanded for a dime of Olajumoke’s remunerations. In fact, Olajumoke said Azuka usually give out her (Olajumoke’s bank account details) to clients so they can pay directly into Olajumoke’s account and whenever she Olajumoke tries to give part of earnings to Azuka as a form of gratitude, Azuka turns it down.

It was so till Olajumoke crossed paths with people who exploited her innocence. Among them was Victoria Ekong, who Azuka innocently handed Olajumoke over to because she Azuka had to travel out of Nigeria for an engagement. That was the beginning of Olajumoke’s downfall.

According to Olajumoke, Victoria not only diverted her from those who genuinely had her best interests at heart but exploited and also refused to return the password to her Instagram account handed over to her by Azuka. Even more damaging, Olajumoke said Victoria went as far as deleting her pictures, forcing her to start afresh and rebuild her social media presence from scratch. Every effort made to help Olajumoke retrieve her Instagram account using the police were futile because Victoria must have greased the palms of the officers or knows someone who knows someone in the police hierarchy.

In an age where social media is not just a tool but the lifeline of a brand, this betrayal struck at the very heart of her new career. Her online visibility weakened, her followers scattered, and her once-promising endorsements began to dry up. The result was devastating: Olajumoke, who had once been Nigeria’s Cinderella, began to fade into the background of the very society that had once celebrated her.

The tragedy of it all lay in her lack of education. Without the literacy and digital skills to manage her own accounts, contracts, and image, she was at the mercy of others. Victoria’s alleged actions served as a harsh reminder that exploitation often preys on ignorance, and that education remains the most reliable safeguard for sustainable success.

During this period, Olajumoke also distanced herself from her initial manager and benefactor, Azuka Ogujiuba, who had laboured to guide her with patience and care. Like many dazzled by sudden fame, she ignored the counsel of those who genuinely wanted her to succeed. It seemed, for a time, that she had shut the door on Azuka permanently.

But life has a way of humbling us. As the endorsements dried up and the lights dimmed, reality set in. Olajumoke’s fairy tale had turned into a cautionary tale.

Yet, the most powerful part of her story is not her fall, but her return. When life brought her low, Olajumoke did something many would never dare—she swallowed her pride and returned to Azuka, the very woman she had once dismissed.

And Azuka, in an extraordinary display of grace, opened her arms. She did not mock. She did not condemn. She welcomed her “prodigal daughter” home, vowing to help her rebuild and climb once again toward the stardom that once seemed forever lost.

This act of forgiveness and renewal carries lessons for all of us.

1. The Selflessness of Forgiveness

In a society that often encourages revenge, Azuka’s choice to forgive stands out as countercultural. Many in her position would have said, “I told you so,” and turned away. But she chose love over bitterness, compassion over pride. Her decision reflects the timeless truth: forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven.

By welcoming Olajumoke back, Azuka reminded us that the door of second chances should never be shut. People make mistakes—sometimes terrible ones. But when we hold space for forgiveness, room for healing and transformation is created.

 2. The Importance of Education

School na scam is a common street parlance in Nigeria but Olajumoke’s struggles highlight a painful reality: without education, managing fame, finances, or even personal choices becomes a herculean task. Her inability to read or write limited her power to negotiate, understand contracts, and discern between genuine helpers and exploiters thus making her sign a self-destructive contract with Victoria for two years.

Her story is not unique. Across Nigeria, millions of young women face the same barrier—talent and potential trapped by the absence of education. This is why investing in education, especially for girls, remains one of the most urgent tasks for our generation. Fame can open doors, but education helps you walk confidently through them and build a future that lasts.

3. Second Chances Are a Human Right

We live in a world quick to cancel people. One mistake, one wrong step, and society slams the door. Yet life is a teacher, and its hardest lessons often come through failure. Olajumoke’s stumble into hardship could have ended her story. But thanks to Azuka, it became a new beginning.

Second chances are not just about celebrities; they are about us all. Each one of us has failed—at work, in relationships, in faith, or in personal discipline. What if no one ever gave us another shot? Where would we be? Olajumoke’s comeback is a reminder that redemption is not only possible—it is necessary for growth.

4. The Prodigal Daughter and the Mother’s Heart

There is something biblical about this story. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, a young man squandered his inheritance and returned home broken. His father, instead of shaming him, embraced him with joy. Similarly, Azuka saw not the mistakes of the past, but the potential for the future.

Her willingness to guide Olajumoke again is a lesson in maternal leadership. True leaders don’t give up on people. They don’t measure loyalty by past failures but by the possibility of transformation. Azuka’s example challenges us: when people who wronged us return, will we extend mercy or slam the door?

5. Building a Lasting Future

As Olajumoke embarks on this second journey, her story must not just be about beauty or chance fame. It must be about rebuilding with wisdom. Education—formal or vocational—must take center stage. Skills must be sharpened. Financial literacy must be learned. And her platform should be used to inspire other young women to believe that no matter where life begins, greatness is possible.

Most importantly, Nigerians must learn from her story: overnight success can be intoxicating, but without roots, it rarely lasts. Real growth is slow, intentional, and sustained by humility and learning.

The story of Olajumoke the Breadseller, Victoria the Misleader, and Azuka the Forgiver is not just celebrity gist—it is a mirror. It reflects the dangers of ignorance, the traps of sudden fame, the cruelty of exploitation, but also the power of forgiveness and the miracle of second chances.

Azuka’s selfless act reminds us that our greatest contribution may not be in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how we help others rise, fall, and rise again. Olajumoke’s resilience reminds us that no fall is final until we refuse to rise. And her renewed journey tells us that even when life seems to close every door, grace can open one more.

Mention must also be made of Adedoja Allen who Azuka took Olajumoke to for mentoring. With her position as MD of a radio station, she was able to train Olajumoke and help her create a radio show. Talk about genuine forgiveness and a rare opportunity to rise again.

For every reader struggling with regret, failure, or betrayal, Olajumoke’s second chance is your reminder: it is not too late to start again. And for every reader holding bitterness against someone who wronged you, Azuka’s story whispers: forgive. You may be saving not just their future, but your own peace of mind.

Life is not about how many times we fall, but how many times we rise—and how many people we help to rise with us.

Mrs Azuka Ogujiuba

Iyom Joy Egolum Shines At 2025 Enugu August Meeting.

By Christian Nwangene

The 2025 edition of the celebrated August Meeting in Enugu was one of life, pride, and heritage. Hosted under the gracious watch of the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, H. E. Mrs. Nkechiyere Mbah.

The event honoured four remarkable women with the Humanitarian Impact and Service Recognition Award, each of them celebrated for their selfless service and contributions to humanity.

The August Meeting formally known as Nzuko Umu Nwanyi has long been more than a gathering. It is a homecoming, a festival of culture, and a platform for women to show that true strength lies not only in tradition but also in progress.

Held this year at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu in partnership with Amstel Malta, the occasion gathered dignitaries, community leaders, and proud women from all corners of Igbo land.

Among those honoured was Iyom Joy Odogwu-Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager (East Region) at Nigerian Breweries Plc. Her recognition drew a standing ovation, not just for her professional achievements, but for the heart and humanity she continues to pour into the lives of others.

Those who know Iyom Odogwu-Egolum will tell you she is not just a leader in her field, but a woman of rare courage. In the words of one admirer at the event, “She carries the strength of ten men, yet still nurtures with the tenderness of a mother.” Her presence on stage reminded many that true power does not always roar, it sometimes shines quietly in acts of kindness, in sacrifices unseen, and in the courage to stand for others.

Over the years, she has championed causes that uplift women, supports communities, and inspire young people. For her, titles and positions have never been the goal impact has always been the mission. As she once remarked in conversation, “Our greatest legacy is not what we build for ourselves, but what we leave in the hearts of people.”

Her award at the 2025 edition of the celebrated August Meeting in Enugu was therefore more than a recognition; it was an affirmation that humanity remembers those who serve with sincerity. She has become a role model not just to women, but to all who believe that leadership is service.

The celebration ended, but the memory of her moment on that stage lingers a strong woman honoured by her people, standing as proof that when women rise, entire communities rise with them.

Iyom Joy Egolum as the South East Corporate affairs Manager of NBplc recognized for her humanitarian impact and service to Enugu State by the first Lady of Enugu State.

Those who know Iyom Joy Odogwu-Egolum will tell you she is not just a leader in her field, but a woman of rare courage. In the words of one admirer at the event, “She carries the strength of ten men, yet still nurtures with the tenderness of a mother.” Her presence on stage reminded many that true power does not always roar, it sometimes shines quietly in acts of kindness, in sacrifices unseen, and in the courage to stand for others.

Over the years, she has championed causes that uplift women, supports communities, and inspire young people. For her, titles and positions have never been the goal impact has always been the mission. As she once remarked in conversation, “Our greatest legacy is not what we build for ourselves, but what we leave in the hearts of people.”

Her award at the 2025 edition of the celebrated August Meeting in Enugu was therefore more than a recognition; it was an affirmation that humanity remembers those who serve with sincerity. She has become a role model not just to women, but to all who believe that leadership is service.

Iyom Joy Egolum and her award from the wife of Enugu State Governor

The celebration ended, but the memory of her moment on that stage lingers a strong woman honoured by her people, standing as proof that when women rise, entire communities rise with them.

Check highlight of the event below 

The Enugu State Government has made a clarion call to global stakeholders to unite in a common cause against the persistent scourge of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, describing the phenomenon as one of the most inhumane crimes confronting the world today.

This advocacy was made on Friday by the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, during a solidarity rally held in Enugu to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Addressing a diverse audience that included government officials, civil society actors, security agencies, students, and community leaders, Mrs. Enih drew attention to the 2025 global theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation”, stressing that the time has come for concerted, transnational efforts to dismantle the networks of exploitation that thrive on human misery.

“Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand in solidarity with victims of human trafficking. This crime steals dignity, freedom, and futures—especially from women and children. As we raise our voices, let’s commit to stronger protection, justice for survivors, and a society where no one is left behind,” she declared.

Mrs. Enih condemned trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery that strips victims of their basic rights and dehumanises them for profit.

She further stressed that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of slavery, abuse, and violence that compromise human dignity, and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other partners to bring offenders to justice.

The commissioner also extended a rallying call to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and local communities to intensify awareness and grassroots mobilisation against trafficking networks.

According to her, ending human trafficking requires more than institutional action—it demands a unified front by all sectors of society to prevent the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls and impoverished families.

“Every religious community, every palace, every classroom must become a fortress against trafficking. This is a fight for our humanity,” she urged the public.

Participants at the rally marched through the streets of Enugu with placards bearing messages like “Stop Human Trafficking Now,” “I Am Not For Sale,” and “Organ Harvesting is Human Trafficking.” The event was both a show of solidarity and a call to action, aiming to awaken collective consciousness and responsibility toward ending this global crime.

Niger Delta women have decried human rights abuses and disrespect for women in the country.

They also called the suspension of the Senator Representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ‘’silly and callous’’.

‘’This is the height of wickedness. We cannot agree with the Senate Ethics Committee’’

The women in a statement in Calabar denounced the Senate leadership and demanded that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan be lifted immediately.

‘’The presiding officer is difficult and dictatorial. He is well known for his contemptuous, dismissive and sarcastic ways. His leadership style is causing dissention and distress’’.

The statement issued in Calabar by the Chairperson of Niger Delta Women Forum (NDWF), Mrs. Comfort Bassey accused the Senate President of undermining family ties and resisting the voice of honour and reason.

‘’We conjure you to look into your heart and to hearken to the secret voice of conscience’’

The highly respected women applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking significant steps to improve the quality of life for the people of Kogi Central.

‘’Your courage is an inspiration to all of us’’

Principally, the women accused some male political office holders of abusing the human rights of women and harming national, ethnic and religious groups in the country.

The statement denounced arbitrary rules, culture of betrayal and ferocious spirit of despotism.

‘’The Senate is not a place in which leaders get away with being mean and nasty’’

It also condemned trace of bitterness, vicious, crude and inhuman punishments

Aka Eze Aka, the Chairman, Udenu Council Area of Enugu State, has hailed Udenu women, saying their resilience, strength, and “never-say-die” spirit has shaped communities in the council area.

He said it was fitting that the government honour their contributions by taking concrete steps towards creating a more equitable future.

Aka stated this in his 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), message to the Udenu women.

Paying tribute to them, the chairman said countless women from the Udenu Local Government Area, had contributed immensely to the society, economy and culture.

“So today, we join the rest of the world to celebrate this great women.

“This year, our global theme is “Accelerate Action,” a call to not only recognise their achievements but also to actively engage in the journey towards gender equality and empowerment.

“It serves as a powerful reminder that while we celebrate the progress we have made, we must also acknowledge that there is much more work to be done.

“Women in our community and indeed across the globe continue to face challenges ranging from Gender-Based Violence and economic disparities to limited access to education and healthcare.

“It is our collective responsibility to confront these issues head-on with urgency and determination,” Aka said.

He added that, “As we move forward, let today be a catalyst for change. Let our actions resonate beyond words.

“Together, we can accelerate our journey towards a future where women are empowered and treated as equal partners in all aspects of life.

“I urge each and every one of you, irrespective of gender, to commit to this important cause. Let us stand in solidarity, champion the rights of women, and accelerate our actions for a more just and equal Udenu Council Area”.

International Women’s Day is marked every March 8 globally to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality, and the 2025 Edition has the theme: “Accelerate Action.”

The wife of the Enugu State Governor Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has pledged to sustain policies and programmes geared towards the development of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the society.

Mrs Mbah gave the assurance during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day at the Michael Okpara Square Enugu, Saturday.

Mrs Mbah who was represented by the wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu stated that since the inception of the present administration in the State, it hasu continued to map out policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups, adding that the empowerment of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in education and vocational and other skill sets woukd be sustained.

She stated that women play pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the society, stressing that these groups should be provided with they required incentives to achieve their objectives.

She stated that the State government through the State’s Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has rescued victims of domestic based violence, provided succour to the vulnerable as well as those trapped by man made obstacles.

According to the governor’s wife, “we recognize the achievements of women in politics, education, business, health care, technology and beyond.

“It’s also a moment to highlight the challenges that remain such as discrimination, gender based violence, economic discrimination, business to leadership.

“As we join the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, this is a day of reflection, celebration, and most importantly, call to action in continuation of the achievements of women and girls in Enugu State and across the globe.

“This year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality and Empowerment. Accelerate Action”, reminds us of our responsibility to create a society where no woman or girl will be marginalized”, she stated.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Children Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Eni said that the International Women’s Day world over is aimed at commemorating the noble role women have played in the political, socio-economic development of the society, pointing out that in Enugu State under the present administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lot has been done to enhance the welfare of women, girls and other vulnerable groups, enjoining the people to avail themselves of these opportunities.

The occasion featured march pasts, educational talks on gender based violence and nutrition, traditional dances, distribution of food items to support families and award of honours to eminent dignitaries including the Wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, Wife of the Nkanu East Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the ALGON, Mrs Rita Edeh, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, the SSA to the Enugu State Governor on Revenue, Adenike Okebu, and the Coordinator of the Enugu State Prayer Network, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi.

Hon. Caleb Ani, the Chairman, Enugu South Local Government Council, Enugu State, says his administration will continue to evolve policies that will promote women empowerment.

Ani stated this in a message to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Enugu.

IWD is observed annually on March 8, to highlight issues affecting women globally.

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Accelerate Action”

“We are committed to evolving policies and initiatives that will empower women, support female entrepreneurs and promote inclusive leadership,” he said.

The council chairman commended women for their strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions to family, society and nation building.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the women in our community and beyond. The IWD is a powerful call to intensify efforts towards gender equality.

“The day reminds us that although progress has been made, we must do more to break barriers, create opportunities and ensure women inclusion in all sectors.

“I encourage all stakeholders to join hands in accelerating actions for women rights protection and development.

“Let us not only celebrate women today, let us also work tirelessly to create a future where every woman and girl can thrive without limitation.

Enugu South LG Media