The Federal Polytechnic Nekede Women Association (FEPNOWA) hosted a two-day, well-packaged event on 5th and 6th August 2025 at the institution’s 1000-Capacity Auditorium. The 2025 Annual Conference brought together women from various divisions, schools, and departments, alongside dignitaries, invited guests, and expert speakers, to engage with the theme: “The Role of Women in Preventing Domestic Violence: A Panacea to Health and Wellness.”
In her welcome address, FEPNOWA President, Mrs. Ijeoma Odoemena, expressed delight at the impressive turnout and stressed the importance of the conference theme. According to her, the Rural TechieGirls initiative, is an empowerment programme designed to equip rural teenage girls with digital literacy, skills, and mentorship was projected.
In a statement by Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, Special Assistant to the Rector on Media, the Rector, Dr . (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, was quoted saying in her formal address, commended FEPNOWA for its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and advocacy, reaffirmed the institution’s support for their programmes, and officially declared the conference open.
Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Maryrose Nwachukwu, Provost of Benjamin Uwajimogu College of Education, lauded FEPNOWA’s leadership and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in combating domestic violence and promoting women’s wellness.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, examined the theme through the lenses of feminism, conflict theory, social learning theory, and the frustration–aggression hypothesis. He underscored the role of education and economic empowerment in reducing domestic violence and enhancing family health. Dr. Amadi also donated ₦2 million as transport support for women in attendance and pledged ₦10 million to the Rural TechieGirls project.
During the project launch, Mrs. Odoemena outlined the mission and vision of Rural TechieGirls
According to her, the Mission is to empower rural teenage girls with digital skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to overcome socio-cultural barriers and become confident contributors to their communities and the global digital economy.
She also stated that the Vision focuses on a world where every rural teenage girl is educated, digitally skilled, confident, and empowered to shape her future and positively impact her society.
The conference also featured an award ceremony honouring distinguished contributors in gender advocacy, education, and institutional development. Awardees included Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, Mrs. Adanna Chinyere Ojiuko, Dr. Maryrose Nwachukwu, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, Nze Obinna Okafor, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nene Ugorji.
Side attractions included a cooking competition, won by the Registry Division, with the Rectory Division in second place and the Bursary in third, and a spirited march-past competition, where the Registry Division again took first place, followed by the Bursary Division and the School of Business and Management Technology (SBMT).
Cultural performances by the Udodiri Women Association and the Umudibia Women Association added colour to the event, celebrating unity, heritage, and womanhood.
The Conference attracted various women associations in Imo State, ranging from: Civil Defence Officers Wives Association (CDOWA); Imo State University Women Association (IMSUWA); Airforce Officers Wives Association ( AWA), K.O Mbadiwe University Women Association ( KOMUWA), IWoGDS, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Egbu Girls Old Girls Association (EGOGA), Ben Uwajimogu State College of Education Women Association, Civil Defence Female Officers and Umuerim Umudibia Nekede Women Association.
The 2025 FEPNOWA Annual Conference ended on a high note, with participants praising the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijeoma Odoemena and reaffirming their commitment to creating safer homes, stronger communities, and brighter futures for women and girls.
The administration of Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe continues to champion initiatives that position every group and union in the institution to impact humanity positively and provide solace to members.
