Enugu State joined the rest of the nation in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a landmark event themed “Tales of Freedom” on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The historic celebration, which marked the 1st Enugu Women Independence Day Celebration, was hosted by the First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, and brought together an inspiring convergence of women leaders, policymakers, cultural icons, and stakeholders to honour the nation’s unity, resilience, and heritage.
The event attracted a distinguished array of dignitaries, including Mrs. Rita Edeh, ALGON Chairperson, Enugu State; Rt. Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh, member of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly; Mrs. Rita Mbah, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board; and Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development. Also in attendance were the wives of Local Government Chairmen and several prominent women leaders, whose collective presence added glamour and substance to the celebration, underscoring the growing influence of women in governance and nation-building.
Other notable personalities present included Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Onu, Chief Izueke Okoro, Jane Chinwendu Ene, Hon. Onyinye Mba, Barr. Mrs. Chidimma Egbuonu, Mrs. Peace Patrick, and Mrs. Ifenna Onowu, all of whom joined in celebrating Enugu’s cultural richness and political dynamism.
The program began with a stirring keynote speech by Barr. Mrs. Chidimma Egbuonu, who reflected on Nigeria’s journey to independence, paying tribute to past heroes and heroines while urging the younger generation to uphold the ideals of freedom, peace, and justice.
A major highlight of the day was a series of captivating cultural presentations by local governments across the state, showcasing the depth of Enugu’s heritage and Nigeria’s enduring spirit:
- Awgu LGA students performed a drama celebrating Governor Peter Mbah’s transformation in education.
- Nkanu East LGA presented traditional dances bursting with color and meaning.
- Nsukka LGA dramatists performed an Igbo play reflecting on the causes of the Biafran war.
- Oji River LGA’s Udubonch Cultural Group thrilled the audience with youthful energy and cultural pride.
- Enugu East LGA delivered a touching poem narrating Nigeria’s 65-year independence story.
- Igbo-Eze South LGA students sang a soulful Igbo song on education, tied to the state’s smart school initiative.
- Udi LGA entertained with a spirited dance and an Igbo tale of family struggles during the civil war.
- Ezeagu LGA staged Akuko Ife, a dramatization of civil war memories and moral lessons for future generations.
- Isi-Uzo LGA brought nostalgia with displays of old Igbo games, folk tales, and the classic English poem Old Roger is Dead.
- Enugu North LGA rounded off the segment with goodwill messages advocating for peace and progress.
Adding more cultural depth, the Special Adviser to the First Lady took the audience through an engaging journey of Igbo history, narrating ancient traditions, fashion, and the legacy of legendary Igbo monarchs and cultural figures.
When the host, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, took the podium, the atmosphere became deeply emotional. In her Independence Day address, she celebrated Nigeria’s endurance and emphasized the collective role of citizens — especially women — in rebuilding the nation.
“We celebrate our unity in diversity and the resilience that has carried us through every challenge. This celebration is a time to reflect on how far we've come and how much further we must go. Nation-building is a shared responsibility; it takes all hands on deck. Enugu State remains committed to advancing education, healthcare, and social protection so that every family can enjoy peace and prosperity,” she said.
Her heartfelt message resonated powerfully with the audience, inspiring renewed commitment among women to participate more actively in governance, education, and social transformation.
The event concluded with a patriotic rendition of the national anthem, leaving the participants deeply moved and proud to be part of a generation committed to preserving Nigeria’s unity and legacy.
The 1st Enugu Women Independence Day Celebration was not merely a festival of culture and remembrance but a defining moment in the state’s history, one that placed women at the forefront of national identity, heritage, and hope, setting a strong precedent for future celebrations in Enugu State.
