Federal Polytechnic Nekede played host to the opening ceremony of the Women in Technical Education and Development (WITED) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders in technical education, aimed to promote gender inclusivity and advancement in the field.
In a press release by the office of the Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, the gathering officially inaugurated the institution’s Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, as the Co-Head Chairperson of WITED.
The occasion attracted a distinguished audience, including the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ekomaru. Also present was the First Lady of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechi
Other prominent guests included: Hon. Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Chairman, Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Nekede (represented by Hon. (Mrs.) Favour Nkem Asogwa), Prof. Celestine U. Njoku, Vice-Chancellor of Gregory University and former Rector of FEDPONEK (represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Raymonda Ngozi Obioha); Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, Chairman, Ngor Okpala LGA: Princess Regina Elechi-Amadi, Ph.D, National/Chapter Coordinator of WITED Nigeria and Prof. Ken Opara, who chaired the occasion.
Traditional rulers at the event included: HRH Eze Morrison Soronnadi James Eke, Ph.D (Omadike I of Umuoma Autonomous Community, Nekede); and HRH Elder Eze Dr. Stephen Kemjika Agumanu IV (Ede II, Ishiobi of Ushi na Aboshi, Nekede Autonomous Community).
The event also witnessed the presence of the Polytechnic’s management team, WITED national coordinators, staff, and students.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ken Opara commended WITED’s efforts in advancing women’s roles in technical education. He emphasized the need for increased mentorship, innovation, gender equality, and networking among women in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of WITED, Princess Regina Amadi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering women in technology. She highlighted the gathering’s primary objective—to appreciate Governor Uzodimma for facilitating Dr. Igbokwe’s appointment as Rector.
She also noted Dr. Igbokwe’s previous role as WITED’s National Secretary, a position she now builds upon as Co-Head Chairperson.
Delivering her keynote address, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe outlined WITED’s core mission and the challenges facing women in technical fields.
She stressed the need to combat negative stereotypes, limited educational access, and financial constraints while advocating for equal pay, quality healthcare, and protection against gender-based violence.
Expressing gratitude for WITED’s support, she pledged to leverage her office to advance the organization’s goals.
Representative of the First Lady, Lady Nkechi Ugwu commended WITED’s work, noting that such an initiative would have been invaluable during her youth.
She urged the association not just to break but to dismantle barriers against women in technical education.
The First Lady further reaffirmed her support for WITED’s mission and made a significant donation to the organization.
Declaring the event open, Deputy Governor Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru praised WITED for championing women’s inclusion in technical fields.
She acknowledged the Imo State Government’s commitment to technical education, citing the establishment of the Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education and the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, which have trained over 40,000 Imo youths, including women, in digital and technical skills.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official decoration of Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe as Co-Head Chairperson of WITED.
The event also featured the presentation of honorary awards to the First Lady and the Governor of Imo State in recognition of their contributions to women’s empowerment in technical education.
