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Women’s Day: Let’s Celebrate, Change Makers, Peace Builders-AUDA-NEPAD

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Admiration, respect and gratitude to Nigerian Women, their African and global counterparts for the great efforts exhumed beyond their limitations in establishing a more equal future, says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National-coordinator/ Chief Executive officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

Akobundu showed the appreciation while reflecting on International Women’s Day , which comes up every 8th day of March and the 2021 edition which has the theme: Choose to Challenge.

In a statement issued by the Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu, on Sunday in Abuja expressed that women have always been part of successes achieved by humanity, having given birth and nurtured both men and women, but nature and society seem to have placed some limitations on the female gender.

According to her, the belief that there is limit to how women can advance or achieve greatness in life is a wrong notion that exists only in the minds of individuals or groups that subscribe to it and not a reality.

“Interestingly, the world has witnessed more women chattering the presumed glass ceilings in different spheres of life, making changes and contributing their quota in peacebuilding to the advancement of humanity and the world.

“I join mother of the Nation, Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, in celebrating Nigerian women of all time on this special day.

“Women Day is a day of celebrating both living and departed women especially, those that had shown exceptional ability and capacity in attaining greater heights beyond their male counterparts.

“We celebrate Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, new Director-General, World Trade Centre (WTO) becoming the first woman and the first African to occupy the position, just as we celebrate her younger sister, Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udochi, who emerged Family Physician of the Year, in Maryland, U.S.A.

“We also celebrate Hajia Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, and other women serving in various capacities in the country and beyond.

“They are living mentors that our upcoming youths should emulate and surpass in greatness through commitment and hard work,” she said.

The NEPAD/APRM Nigeria’s Boss remembered women victims of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We at AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria commiserate with women who have paid the ultimate price to COVID-19 pandemic and diseases, may God comfort their loved ones and heal the world from the virus.”

Akobundu commended Women security operatives for sacrificing their comfort for peace of the nation and urged mothers at all levels to rise in support of government and security agencies in ensuring nation’s peace during the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

“I urge Nigerian women to look inward in their quest for a peaceful nation by promoting moral ethics that are capable of fostering peace and security in society.

“In the same vein, Nigerian women in leadership position within and outside the country should not relent in mentoring the younger ones for positive change and `Nigeria We Want`,” she said.

Akobundu also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders support and recognize the capability of women in attaining a leadership position.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for looking beyond gender in appointing and supporting Nigerians with leadership qualities to serve within and outside the nation.

“We celebrate President’s appointment of Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State For Environment and other women Cabinet members and heads of parastatals.

“I also commend African leaders for displaying a similar attitude by supporting African women with special capabilities for continental and global positions.

“I salute leaders of women-oriented Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) that have been working with us like Bar Ebere Ifendu, President women in politics foundation, among others” she said.

Akobundu was optimistic that current statistics of two Women Heads of State or in the world would soon be reversed, urging Women Groups and Activists to sustain their campaigns on women development.

The Agency Boss currently serves as Member, AU (African Union)-APRM Taskforce Committee on Governance Response to COVID-19 and other pandemics.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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