By Regina Igwebuike :
The People of Anambra State resident in Enugu under the Aegis of Anambra State People in Enugu (ASPE), whose aims and objectives are to foster the spirit of brotherhood among Ndi Anambra living in Enugu, have conferred an Award of ‘Woman of the Decade’ on Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba, nee Oliobi, Founder/CEO, Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International for being a distinguished and a reputable patriot of Anambra State.
Princess Udoka-Menuba, who has contributed immensely to human capital development was also installed as the Patroness of ASPE.
She is married to Rtd Air commodore Ify Udoka Menuba from Oguluwa kindred, Adabebe village, Amawbia, and is the only sister of HRM, Igwe Maximus Ikechukwu Oliobi, Owelle of Nimo (Ezeoranyelu I).
The Event, which took place at Recreation Club Hall, opposite Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu recently, attracted the creme de la creme, including HRH, Igwe Dr. Emma Ugwu of Okwe Kingdom, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo V Uzuegbu, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, CEO/Founder, Patkez Ventures Ltd & Patkez Properties Nig Ltd and Amb. Amaka Nweke, driving force behind the global Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET).
Others are Crown Prince College of Bishops, Nze Title holders, Eziokwubundu Women Group, and Oguluwa kindred, all from Amawbia Community, Awka South LGA as well as Precious Widows Association Anambra (PWAA).
The Princess, represented by Mrs Chidimma Okoye-Mmaram, the Executive Director, Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation said, “Today is quite remarkable as a historical event just unfolded. We thank the Anambra indigene resident in Enugu for their eagle and foresight in which they judiciously conferred Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba their Patroness.
“Some present will ask this pertinent question: Who is Princess Dr Jessie Udoka-Menuba?. She is undoubtedly a woman with a heart of gold, who had single handedly taken philanthropy to the next level. She is the Founder of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation, which has network of branches in America, Trinidad and Tobego, Mexico, as well as Nigeria.
“In Nigeria she has left indelible foot prints in sands of time as she has issued scholarships to scores of indigents deserving same from Secondary to Tertiary, opened small scale businesses for sustenance of the downtrodden. She has also touched the lives of widows, orphans and vulnerable children, others”.
She extolled the vision of ASPE for having found the Princess worthy of this position of Patroness and for the Woman of the Decade Award, showing that the Association is keeping track of happenstances across the globe.
According to her, these Honors no doubt will spur the Amazon Princess to continue to plough more into development of humanity and making the world a better place so that the less privileged and the downtrodden will not be left behind, rather, they will beam with smiles.
Mazi Omife I. Omife, one of the founders of ASPE and Chairman Action Committee, said that the awardees were well screened.
He described Princess Udoka-Menuba as an American based Anambra woman, who has achieved feats in the area of human capital development.
“She fed no fewer than 5,000 people in Abuja with envelopes of varying amount of money, paid school fees for about 50 final year students sacked from university and lots more, all verified.”
In an interview, Archbishop Moses Chinedum Ezeh (JPH), President Crown Prince College of Bishops, said that it was a great and memorable day in the history of mankind for a great daughter of Zion, Princess Udoka-Menuba to be honored by ASPE with two merited Awards.
“My major understanding about her life is that God called her and is using her. She will continue doing the work of God and no one will stop her. God will continue using her for this great venture in good health.”
Also in an interview, Barr. Mike Okoye, Southeast Coordinator and member Board of Trustees of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation said,”The event of 25th day of April 2024 wherein ASPE conferred on Princess Jessie Udoka-Menuba their Patroness and presented to her an Award for Woman of the decade, truly xrayed that you cannot lit a lamp and hide same under the bushel.
“The Philanthropic disposition of the Princess is phenomenal and worthy of commendation. There is no doubt that she deserved the said award of Woman of the Decade given the fact that her selfless service has pulled from the pit scores of less privileged and given succour to the downtrodden and helpless in the society.
“I believe that the said award will encourage her to do more and equally spur those around her who have continually looked up to her as an Idol in the sphere of Charity to brace up”.
The Deputy Woman Leader of Eziokwubundu Women Group, Amawbia, Mrs Ijeoma Nwudo said that the Princess deserved more awards and accolades, having distinguished herself in the area of philanthropy, putting smiles on the faces of many, especially the indigents, most vulnerable and widows.
Earlier in a welcome address, Chief Peter U. Adimorah, ASPE National President, said that the award ceremony is a way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of others. They are reminders that hard work and dedication are rewarded, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
