From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Women under the auspices of Ada Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi Home and Abroad (daughters of Izzi Nnodo clan) have sensitised members of the clan against engaging in hard labor, particularly concrete mixing, citing its harmful effects on women’s health.
The group also empowered 50 women with a cash support of ₦50,000 each during the celebration of its one-year anniversary held in Abakaliki.
The leader of the group, Princess Ifeoma Nwenyi, said the sensitisation was necessary to educate Izzi women on the dangers of hard labour, especially for pregnant women.
She expressed concern over women mixing and carrying concrete to construction sites, describing the practice as degrading and dangerous.
“We are known for being industrious, but not at that level. It is not our husbands that pushed us into it ,but lack of understanding.
” Concrete work has been a serious obstacle to our women, especially pregnant ones. This is a bad representation of our people, so we came together to put a stop to it. This is the time for change,” Nwenyi stated.
She disclosed that the group had already carried out aggressive sensitisation across Izzi communities, encouraging women to embrace education as a pathway to poverty eradication.
Princess Nwenyi also condemned the rising trend of indecent dressing among men and women, warning that anyone found engaging in such would be arrested and handed over to the police.
“We are totally against men wearing earrings, women walking half-naked, without bra or indecently dressed. If we see you, we will lock you up. There will be no fine attached, you will remain there until you repent,” she warned.
She appreciated Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support and assured him of the group’s continued solidarity.
The wife of the former Governor of Ebonyi State and a daughter of the clan, Chief Josephine Elechi, also frowned at the involvement of Izzi women in hard labor and advised them to desist and rather pursue education and skills development.
In the same vein, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, Right Reverend Monday Nkwoagu, commended the women for their bold initiative.
He urged them to embrace skills acquisition, agriculture and adult education instead of engaging in hard labor for the sake of their health and wellbeing.
