The President of the Mothers’ Union, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, Dr. Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intensify efforts to address insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges confronting Nigerians.
Dr. Ibezim made the appeal during her presidential address at the 40th Awka Diocesan Women Conference (ADWOC 2026) and the 3rd Diocesan Mothers’ Union Conference held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka.
She expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and other violent crimes across the country, saying the situation has continued to instill fear and uncertainty among citizens.
The Mothers’ Union President also appealed to the Federal Government to expedite efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oyo State, describing their ordeal as deeply troubling.
Speaking on the nation’s economic situation, Dr. Ibezim lamented the increasing cost of living, inflation, unemployment and rising prices of fuel, food and other essential commodities, noting that many families are struggling to survive.
She called on the Federal Government to embrace transparent, accountable and people-centred governance capable of restoring public confidence and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Addressing the Anambra State Government, Dr. Ibezim urged Governor Soludo to sustain the momentum in infrastructural development, education, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship while strengthening security and ensuring inclusive governance across the state.
She congratulated Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim on the commencement of their second tenure, commending their administration’s achievements in infrastructure, teacher recruitment and human capital development.
The conference also marked the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union in Nigeria and attracted more than 1,000 participants from across the Province of the Niger.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, urged women to remain united, disciplined and focused in their families and Christian service.
He cautioned against actions capable of exposing family secrets or creating division, encouraging women to uphold godly values and strengthen family bonds.
The event featured goodwill messages from dignitaries and church leaders, while the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Oluchukwu Ibezim, encouraged women to remain resilient and steadfast in their faith despite prevailing challenges.
The four-day conference ended with prayers for peace, national unity and sustainable development in Nigeria.
