“OUR SOCIETY WASN’T THIS BAD; THE CURRENT SET OF LEADERS MADE IT THIS WAY” — DR CHIMA AMADI

Dr Chima Matthew Amadi has challenged women across Imo State to take an active role in changing the fortunes of their communities, insisting that the power to bring about meaningful change lies in the hands of the people.

Dr Amadi made the call during his engagements with women at their August Meetings in Umuorii, Uratta, Owerri North, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, where he spoke on the need for citizens to demand better leadership and refuse to surrender their votes for temporary gains.

At Umuorii, Uratta, Owerri North, Dr Amadi attended the August Meeting of women gathered beside St Michael’s Catholic Parish in an event organised by Friesland Company.

Speaking to the women, Dr Amadi commended Friesland Company for organising what he described as an illustrious community event, noting that the company had demonstrated that corporate organisations could go beyond profit-making to create meaningful impact in the communities where they operate.

He also congratulated the women for the impressive programme they had put together, recognising the important role women continue to play in bringing people together and promoting development, particularly through their annual August Meetings.

Dr Amadi thanked the women for allowing him to speak with them and, in support of their community project, donated the sum of ₦10 million to the women.

He further reminded them that he had consistently responded whenever they called on him, stressing that he expected the same commitment from them whenever he calls on them, especially as they already understand the journey he has embarked upon.

“Whenever you call me, I have always answered. I am also asking you that whenever I call on you, you should answer me,” he told the women.

Dr Amadi further proceeded to Ezinihitte Mbaise, where he attended the August Meeting of the Umunama women under the auspices of Oganihu Ndom Umunama (UNU), held at their Civic Hall.

Hon Henry Onwukwe, while introducing Dr Amadi, highlighted the numerous interventions and contributions he has made to the lives of people across the state, a message that was received with applause from the women.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Amadi turned attention to the challenges confronting ordinary families, particularly the burden placed on women by the failure of government to adequately provide basic services.

He spoke about the declining state of education and healthcare facilities, noting that many of the difficulties women and families are experiencing are problems that responsible leadership should have addressed.

“Our society wasn’t this bad; it is the people in leadership that have made it bad,” Dr Amadi said, urging the women to recognise their responsibility in determining who gets the opportunity to lead.

He challenged them not to sell their votes, reminding them that their votes remain their greatest instrument for demanding accountability and bringing about a turnaround in society.

According to him, elections should not be reduced to transactions, but should be used by citizens to choose leaders capable of improving their lives and rebuilding institutions that have suffered from years of poor leadership.

Dr Amadi subsequently asked the women if they were prepared to go with him on the journey towards changing the society, to which the women responded affirmatively.

In support of the women and their association, Dr Amadi also donated ₦2 million to the Umunama women.

The two engagements further highlighted Dr Amadi’s emphasis on community development, women’s empowerment and citizen participation, as he continues to use the August Meeting season to engage directly with women and communities across Imo State.