AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF OVIM WOMEN IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (OWIA)

I consider it a privilege and an honor to welcome everybody to the 2023 biennial Home Coming of the Ovim Women’s Improvement Association (OWIA). I thank God Almighty for keeping us alive to be part of this year's celebration. My heart bleeds for our colleagues who celebrated with us in 2021 and are no more today. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Our chosen theme for this year's celebration is "SACRIFICE OF PRAISE ". In spite of the storms and challenges of our time, God Almighty has remained faithful to Ovim women, their families, and our community. We can not thank Him enough for His numerous blessings, including new marriages , births, and the support that OWIA has continued to receive from men and women of goodwill towards the realization of our Skills Acquisition Center.

High Chief Dr. Iheanacho Emeruwa and wife Chief Engr. Mrs. Madgalen Emeruwa visited the center in December 2021 and saw that the block works of the building at the end of the hall were yet to be completed. They undertook to complete it, carving out rooms for pantry, storage and office, plastering, dressing of all the pillars round the building and the tiling of entire areas including the toilets and staircase, all to the tune of about five million naira with promises to do more.

The most recent support was from the Isuikwuato Union Washington DC Chapter, under the leadership of our brother, Dr. Ndubuisi Okoroafor drilled a borehole for us at the center.

The two days mini medical outreach concluded yesterday was empowered by " umu ovum" and "umu ada Ovum". We pray God to continue to bless them.

Many of our members, especially the foundation members, may be wondering when and how our name changed from Ovim Women's Improvement Union(OWIU) to Ovim Women's Improvement Association (OWIA). This followed the revision of the OCL National Constitution in 2021, which carried out the changes based on legal advice.

It is equally important to understand that the rules and regulations of the OCL National supercedes those of other associations in Ovim and will naturally take precedence.

I will not end this address without appreciating all branches of OCL who contribute to the unity and progress of the women's wings in their various branches.

Finally, I appreciate all husbands for their support to see that their wives look different this year.

God bless you all

Ugoeze Victoria Oluchi Chigbu

President OWIA