The Abiriba Ancient Kingdom of Abia State has concluded a historic two-day cultural celebration during which outstanding Abiriba women and notable friends of the community were honoured.
Held at the Palace of the Enachioken of Abiriba, the event attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders, and guests from within and outside Nigeria, putting the kingdom in high spirit ahead of the yuletide celebrations.
The honours underscore the kingdom’s centuries-old matrilineal heritage and celebrate the pivotal role women play in Abiriba’s sociopolitical and cultural development.
The celebration also commemorated the historic 1992 Abiriba Women’s Protest — the watershed moment that earned Abiriba women national recognition and led to the annual observance of Abiriba Women’s Day on November 25.
The protest, during which Abiriba women marched from Abiriba to Umuahia demanding government intervention to restore peace, prompted swift action from authorities and strengthened the women’s legacy of courage and leadership.
Rooted in Abiriba’s respected tradition of women-led governance under the Eze Inyom Abiriba, the awards highlight the kingdom’s unique matrilineal system where mothers and women wield significant influence in decision-making and community affairs.
Speaking with journalists, the Enachioken-in-Council described the ceremony as a reinforcement of Abiriba’s values of unity, peace, progress, and women empowerment. He noted that this year’s honours would further motivate more women to rise in leadership and community service.
The honours were presented in two categories — Inyom Abiriba and Ada Ena.
Recipients of the Inyom Abiriba title included the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Priscilla Chioma Otti, Dr. Nwannadiya Glory Ugah, Elder Georgina Mma Agbagha, Princess Mercy Owoh Nnanna, Grace Richard Nmecha, Barr. Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, Ego Mang Ndukwe, and Ezinne Ada Obasi, among others.
The Ada Ena honours were conferred on 48 young women, including American-born Ada Nde Abiriba, Dr. Nyiema Obidiya Carter–Eme, Dr. Lolo Esther Ogisi Ina, Nneoha Nnenna Ejindu Ireke Mang, Barr. Ebere Ifendu, Dr. Ashley Ubani Roberts, Sandra Kalu Ali, Chief Mrs. Grace Udensi, and others.
In total, 72 distinguished women were honoured for their significant contributions to leadership, peacebuilding, and community development.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh