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By Adebowale Johnson
On June 14, the Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU), Women Wing, Lagos branch, celebrated a remarkable milestone with the launch of its inaugural motherhood eelebration. The vibrant event was dedicated to honouring mothers while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Enugwu-Ukwu community.
Hosted at the ECDU Secretariat in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, the festival attracted community leaders, families, cultural enthusiasts and esteemed guests, all gathered in a lively atmosphere filled with gratitude and reflection.
This celebration aimed to recognize the vital contributions mothers make to family life, community development, and nation-building. It also fostered connections among women, whether from Enugwu-Ukwu or those married into the community, while promoting the cherished values and traditions passed down through generations.
Chief Jude Ekwunife, the event’s chairman, fondly known as Okwuategwu Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, praised the Women Wing for initiating what he called a noble and timely initiative. He emphasized that motherhood is one of society’s most enduring institutions, deserving of ongoing recognition and appreciation. Chief Ekwunife lauded the organizers for honoring both living mothers and the memories of departed matriarchs whose legacies continue to shape families and communities. He expressed hope that this inaugural event would evolve into a cherished tradition that fosters unity and inspires future generations while highlighting mothers’ essential roles in sustaining society.
In her welcoming speech, Mrs. Ifeoma Okekearu, President of the ECDU Women Wing, underscored the importance of motherhood, calling mothers the heartbeat of families and the foundation of strong communities. She highlighted how mothers mold hearts, homes, and entire generations through their boundless sacrifice, dedication, and care.
Mrs. Okekearu eloquently articulated that motherhood embodies love manifested through resilience and selflessness. Often the unsung heroes, mothers shoulder immense responsibilities while nurturing dreams and supporting their families. She expressed that a mother is frequently the first person a child remembers and the last person anyone wishes to forget.
Moreover, she noted that this celebration aimed to honor mothers and provide opportunities for women within the union to build relationships, share experiences, and motivate one another. While churches frequently celebrate mothers, she pointed out that the union had never organized a dedicated event to honor them until now, inspiring the Women Wing to establish an annual legacy project.
Describing mothers as the nucleus of the family, she argued that without them, there can be no family, society, nation, or world. Recognizing mothers is about appreciating women who selflessly contribute to others’ well-being without seeking recognition or reward.
One of the event’s highlights was the culinary exhibition “Mama’s Pot,” showcasing traditional dishes handed down through generations. Mrs. Okekearu explained that this exhibition aimed to preserve traditional culinary knowledge and inspire younger generations to cherish their cultural heritage.
She expressed concern that many young people, even some city-dwelling women, are unfamiliar with traditional Enugwu-Ukwu dishes and their preparation. Indigenous staples like Ukwa Anu, Ede, Egbakwoka, Egba, and Akidi are not only nutritious but also vital to the community’s identity. By teaching younger generations these recipes, the initiative aims to keep cultural traditions alive and encourage healthier eating habits, ensuring that the culinary skills passed down by mothers do not fade away in the face of modernity.
The intellectual centerpiece of the event was a lecture by guest speaker Mrs. Ebele Nwokoye titled “Mothers as Pillars at Home and in Society: The Challenges and Expectations.” In her insightful presentation, she portrayed mothers as essential support systems for families and communities. Drawing parallels between architectural pillars and mothers’ roles, she highlighted how, like pillars supporting a building, mothers provide strength, stability, and emotional support.
Mrs. Nwokoye acknowledged that the demands of motherhood can be overwhelming but encouraged women to embrace motherhood as a divine gift and a unique calling. She reminded attendees that mothers are partners in building peaceful homes alongside their husbands, not competitors. Recognizing women as guiding lights in households, she emphasized their critical role in nurturing values that contribute to society’s overall development.
The occasion also saw a number of dignitaries and community leaders extend their goodwill messages. Notably, Mr. Chidi I. Emeka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, remarked on the indispensable influence women have on shaping children’s minds and characters. He emphasized that celebrating motherhood not only honors role models but inspires women to fulfill the responsibilities that come with raising future generations.
Former ECDU Women Wing President, Dr. Felicia Agubata, echoed similar sentiments, celebrating women’s strength and contributions to the family and community. She expressed hope that the event would inspire ongoing unity and achievement among women.
Messages of appreciation poured in from sister organizations, community leaders, and women’s groups, all praising the initiative and recognizing the sacrifices mothers offer every day. They described mothers as symbols of unconditional love, moral guidance, emotional support, and cultural preservation.
The day culminated in the Mama’s Pot culinary exhibition, alongside a series of cultural performances and presentations by various groups within the ECDU Women Wing under the theme “Voices of Motherhood.” Attendees celebrated the myriad experiences of mothers while showcasing the richness of Igbo traditions.
As guests savored indigenous delicacies amidst cultural displays, the atmosphere resonated with a profound appreciation for motherhood and its values. By weaving together celebration, education, and cultural preservation, the inaugural Motherhood Celebration effectively highlighted the invaluable role of mothers, reinforcing the ECDU Women Wing’s commitment to heritage and community cohesion.
The success of the event has laid a strong foundation for what many hope will become a lasting annual tradition, one that celebrates mothers, preserves cherished cultural legacies and inspires future generations.
