By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
It was a splendid day of style, culture and panache. The recent Anambra State Women Association of Southern California’s (ASWA-SC) tenth anniversary celebration which held on Saturday, June 9, at the Grand Event Center, in Long Beach, California was a thriller in all aspects. It was such a classy event featuring an exquisite dinner, the simultaneously soothing music by the popular saxophonist Olu Jazz, pulsating music from hotshot deejay Osondu, elegant and resplendent atmosphere. Indeed the audience bubbled with excitement all through.
Distinctively, the event’s theme, Onaedo Women: Building Bridges to a Brighter Future, resonated with the rapturous audience, a panoply of Anambra State indigenes, Diasporan communities and well-wishers. Adding to the festivity’s ambiance, the association’s President, Attorney Mrs. Amaka Ada Akudinobi, in her welcome speech, assured all that “the association remains our home, nest and fort, from where we will weave our threads of experiences, heritage, culture and values into formidable pathways and uncommon bridges to our esteemed aspirations.”
Notable highlights of the occasion include a Certificate of Recognition for philanthropy, from the California Legislature Assemblyman, Mike A. Gipson, Chair of the Democratic Caucus at the California House of Assembly and the Onaedo Woman of the Year Award for Humanitarian Service bestowed on Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), who was represented by Dr. Ijeoma Omekam, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, to the Anambra State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Willie Obiano.
With devotion, continuity, and articulate visions central to ASWA-SC, Mrs. Esther Ikeji,, an exemplar, in service as executive of the organization since its inception, was honored with Meritorious Service Award.
In recognition of their noteworthy accomplishments, Ms. Adaobi Gwacham, a franchisee, received the Entrepreneurship and Community Service Award, while Queen Uche Umeagukwu, the current Miss Africa World, obtained a Philanthropist Award, and Ms. Omelogo Udeze, a Community Service and Mentorship Award, thus, extending the association’s determination for a fine balance between generations and futures.
According to an attendant, “Their respective successes are significant for what the future holds, for the community, especially, the roles of women in building the desired bridges.”
United in vision and purpose, the association, from all accounts, cemented distinctively sturdy scaffolds for building bridges to brighter futures through this epochal accomplishment. As anniversaries go, especially as days of remembrance, guests left not just with mementos but scintillating memories that long will be treasured.
