In celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Centre for Gender Studies Directorate at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, in partnership with key stakeholders, hosted a public lecture on March 4, 2025, under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
The event, which took place at the institution’s 1,000-capacity auditorium, aimed to honor women’s contributions and advocate for accelerated progress toward gender equality.
Declaring the event open, the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, alongside her management team, emphasized the institution’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices and fostering gender equity.
The gathering attracted distinguished guests, including the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ekomaru (represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ogbu), the Event Chairman, Dr. Chikezie Okoronkwo, and the Special Guest Speaker, Prof. C.E. Chinweze.
Strategic Partnerships and Cultural Highlights
The event featured collaborations with leading women’s organizations, such as the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWEN) Imo Chapter, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Imo State, Christy Agim Initiative (CAI), Fire and Ice Forum for Justice, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri Women Association (FEPNOWA), and Women in Technical Education (WITED).
Welcoming attendees, Mrs. Ukamaka Ngozi Megwas, Deputy Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, delivered an address, followed by remarks from Dr. (Mrs.) Juliana Njoku, Director of the Evening Programme, and Mrs. Luke-Odoemena Ijeoma, President of FEPNOWA. A moving rendition of the United Women’s Anthem in English and Igbo, translated by Barr. Maureen Ngozi Idih, PhD, added a cultural touch to the celebration.
Rector’s Address: Advocating for Women’s Empowerment
In her keynote address, Dr. Igbokwe underscored the urgent need to accelerate gender equality efforts, noting that women’s rights must keep pace with technological advancements. Drawing on the Multiplier Effect theory, she highlighted women’s ability to maximize opportunities and resources and called for increased investment in female education.
She also harped on the need for greater male involvement in gender equality, stressing that women’s empowerment should not be seen as a competition but a shared journey toward fairness and justice.
Government Support and Policy Announcements
Representing the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ogbu commended the institution for its role in promoting gender equity and tackling gender-based violence (GBV). She also praised the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to women’s rights, citing the appointment of a female deputy governor in Imo State.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional response to GBV, Dr. Ogbu officially inaugurated the Sexual Assault Committee at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, charging its members with the responsibility of driving meaningful change.
Insightful Public Lectures and Drama Presentations
The event featured two impactful lectures:
Sex Offenders Register: Developing a Science-Driven Database to Curb Gender-Based Violence in Imo State” – Delivered by Prof. C.E. Chinweze, the lecture proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track and predict high-risk GBV areas.
Female-to-Female Violence in Nigeria: Unveiling the Other Perpetrator Under the Violence Against Persons Act 2015” – Barr. Maureen Ngozi Idih, PhD, explored the often-overlooked issue of GBV perpetrated by women, supported by compelling video evidence.
Further driving home the message, the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) led a dramatic presentation that emphasized the importance of supporting GBV survivors and encouraging them to speak out.
Polytechnic’s Representation at African Centre of Excellence (ACE-FUELS, FUTO)
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede was represented at the African Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS, FUTO) as part of the IWD 2025 activities on March 7.
Barr. Maureen Ngozi Idih, PhD, served as a panelist, addressing over 200 participants on the challenges women face in STEM+E (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Energy). She advocated for the inclusion of a Gender Policy and Gender Fund in institutional budgets to support female students and staff in male-dominated fields. The ACE-FUELS Center Lead also extended an invitation for women from the polytechnic to apply for postgraduate programs in future energy studies.
Commitment to Gender Parity
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr. Igbokwe reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to fostering gender equity and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all. She emphasized that discussions on women’s rights must translate into tangible actions that drive societal progress.
Issued By:
Office of the Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, in Collaboration with the IPR Unit
March 6, 2025
