Jubilation in Udi as Enugu First Lady, Wife of Udi Council Chairman Champion Sensitisation, Skill-Acquisition, Empowerment Grants to Break Free from Human Trafficking


On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State came alive with hope, colour, and renewed determination, as stakeholders, community leaders, women groups, and youths gathered at the Udi Local Government Council Headquarters for the impactful “Say No to Human Trafficking: Empowering Youth & Women to Break the Cycle” programme, a transformative initiative championed by the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ihuoma Mbah, through her humanitarian vision and people-centred interventions.

The programme, organised in collaboration with Udi Local Government Council, marked a significant grassroots response to the growing challenge of human trafficking, combining advocacy, empowerment, and social support to equip vulnerable groups with opportunities for self-reliance and economic independence. 

From the early hours of the day, the council premises buzzed with excitement as cultural troupes, youth organisations, and women groups welcomed dignitaries with colourful match-pass parades, traditional music, and captivating cultural dance performances that showcased the rich heritage and unity of the Udi people. The vibrant side attractions set the tone for what would become a memorable and impactful community event.


Representing the First Lady of Enugu State, Barr. Chidimma Egeonu, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, conveyed Her Excellency’s deep commitment to protecting women and youths across the state. She praised Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah’s unwavering passion for humanitarian service, describing her as “a compassionate mother whose vision continues to restore dignity, create opportunities, and protect the future of Enugu families.” 

She noted that the First Lady’s interventions through the Custos Care Foundation were intentionally designed to confront social challenges at their roots, stressing that empowering women economically remains one of the strongest tools in dismantling human trafficking networks. 


In her welcome address, the Wife of the Udi Local Government Council Chairman, Pharm. Mrs. Lotachi (Lota) Agu, who hosted the event, delivered an inspiring message that resonated strongly with participants. She described empowerment as a shield against exploitation, emphasizing that when youths and women are economically independent, they become less vulnerable to deception and trafficking. 


According to her, “today is not just about distributing support; it is about restoring hope, building confidence, and reminding our youths and women that their future can be built right here at home through skill, diligence, and unity.” She urged benbeneficiaries to utilise the opportunity responsibly and become ambassadors against human trafficking within their communities. 


The Executive Chairman of Udi Local Government Council, Hon. Hyginus Agu, hailed Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for creating an enabling environment that prioritises human capital development and grassroots empowerment. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to community development, stressing that the fight against human trafficking must begin at the family and community levels through education, mentorship, and economic empowerment. 


“When our young people are equipped with skills and supported to succeed, the false promises of traffickers lose their power,” he stated, adding that collective community vigilance remains essential in protecting vulnerable citizens.


The Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, Mrs. Egodi, emphasised the role of parenting and value orientation, noting that the fight against trafficking begins within the home through proper guidance and responsible upbringing. 


The highlight of the programme was the empowerment segment, where eighty-one (81) youths and women who successfully completed skill acquisition training received ₦50,000 each as start-up capital, enabling them to establish and expand small businesses. The empowerment initiative was generously sponsored by Hon. Hyginus Agu and Pharm. Mrs. Lotachi Agu, whose commitment to grassroots economic transformation drew widespread commendation. 


In addition, the couple extended humanitarian support by distributing one hundred (100) bags of rice and one hundred (100) wrappers to elderly persons, children, and less privileged members of the community, reinforcing the programme’s message of compassion and inclusive development. 


The wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, in her remarks, commended the initiative as a timely and purposeful intervention aimed at safeguarding the future of young people and women across communities. She applauded the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social protection, noting that empowerment remains the most effective weapon against human trafficking and poverty. 


She urged beneficiaries to see the support received not merely as assistance but as an opportunity to become self-reliant and role models within their communities. According to her, when women are empowered and youths are meaningfully engaged, families grow stronger, communities become safer, and society moves closer to eliminating exploitation and social vices. 


Speakers at the event delivered powerful advocacy messages highlighting prevention, proper upbringing, and community responsibility. The SSA on SDGs Matters, Hon. Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo, underscored the importance of training young girls and youths with practical skills and moral guidance, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mass Mobilisation, Hon. Mrs. Ifenna Onoh, called for sustained community awareness to eliminate trafficking networks. 


Other dignitaries who graced the event include; Hon. Mrs. Edith Okoh, Former Chairperson of Udi Local Government; Hon. Mrs. Chika Eneh, Former Member of Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Mrs. Rita Edeh, ALGON Chairperson; Barr. Mrs. Ezinne Jude Asogwa, Nsukka LGA Chairperson; Hon. Mrs. Anyaegbudike Uche, Oji River LGA Chairperson; Hon. Mrs. Felicia Ogbodo, Nkanu West LGA Chairperson; Hon. Mrs. Ogechi Ezenwammadu, Deputy Chairperson of Udi LGA, alongside political appointees, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations, and other stakeholders. 


The event stood as a powerful testament to the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration and the humanitarian drive of the Enugu First Lady, reinforcing a shared commitment to building safer communities where empowerment replaces exploitation and opportunity triumphs over vulnerability.

PHOTOS ðŸ“¸




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