Investment In People Is Paramount, Asserts Anyanwu-Akeredolu

Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the Labour Party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election in the Owerri Federal Constituency of Imo State, has emphasized that the most significant investment any society can make is in its human resources.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu articulated this perspective during her address at the 2026 Annual August Meeting of Ndom Obiwuruotu Women (Home and Abroad) in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

The former First Lady of Ondo State highlighted that this philosophy underpins her establishment of initiatives aimed at education, empowerment, and skill development, particularly for women and girls, as well as community advancement.

She enumerated her initiatives, which include the Widows Care Programme, the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), and the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation.

The Widows Care Initiative provides support to widows, while BRECAN promotes awareness of breast cancer and encourages early detection, thereby contributing to life-saving efforts.

The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation organizes annual boot camps where thousands of girls acquire skills that prepare them to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

According to her, empowering a widow restores hope to a family, and educating and equipping a girl with technology and skills alters the trajectory of future generations.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu asserted that her initiatives are motivated not by political ambitions but by compassion and a commitment to improving lives.

As she seeks a position in the National Assembly, the Labour Party candidate reaffirmed her dedication to her service philosophy.

She pledged to provide quality representation that is responsive to the needs of the constituents and delivers tangible results.

She envisions a constituency where young people have opportunities, women are empowered, farmers and entrepreneurs receive support, schools are strengthened, healthcare systems are improved, and the constituency’s agricultural and fisheries resources are harnessed to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who holds the esteemed traditional titles of Ada Owere 1 and Ada Emeabiam 2, remarked that true leadership transcends mere office occupancy; it encompasses problem-solving, integrity, competence, compassion, and accountability.

She expressed her gratitude to the Ndom Obiwuruotu Women Home and Abroad Umuguma for honoring her with an award, noting that although she originates from the Emeabiam Community, she feels a deep sense of belonging in Umuguma.

The candidate revealed that Mr. Joseph Nwosu Okorie, an indigene of Umuguma, serves as the Director General of her Ada Owere Campaign Organization.

She further disclosed that through Okorie, numerous widows in Umuguma have benefited from her Widows Care Initiative, and many daughters from the community participated in the 2025 BEMORE Summer Boot Camp, receiving solar panels and laptops upon completion.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu commended the women for their accomplishments within the community and urged them to maintain unity to achieve even greater heights.

In his remarks, Chief Victor Nnamdi Osigwe, the Chairman of Owerri West Local Government Area, commended the women for their significant contributions to the upliftment of the community through various development initiatives.

He expressed satisfaction with the presence of numerous politicians at the event, emphasizing the importance of securing their commitment to the welfare of the populace, as their support may not be guaranteed post-elections.

Chief Osigwe asserted that the All Progressives Congress would secure reelection in 2027.

He urged residents whose structures encroach upon the major road designated for reconstruction to take the initiative to demolish them.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Josephine Njoku, President General of Ndom Obiwuruotu Women (Home & Abroad) Umuguma, expressed her joy at the new members who joined the group and appealed to former members to return.

She also encouraged community indigenes to foster unity, progress, and solidarity to enhance community development.

The occasion featured highlights such as awards presented to distinguished individuals and a march past by the various villages comprising the Umuguma Community.