Izzi women group sensitizes members against hard labor, empowers 50 others

Women under the auspices of Ada Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi Home and Abroad (daughters of Izzi Nnodo clan) have sensitized members of the clan against engaging in hard labor, particularly concrete mixing, citing its harmful effects on women’s health.

However, the group empowered fifty women with a cash support of ₦50,000 each during the celebration of its one-year anniversary held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki. The leader of the group, Princess Ifeoma Winifred Nwenyi, said the sensitization was necessary to educate Izzi women on the dangers of hard labor, especially for pregnant women.

She expressed concern over women mixing and carrying concrete to construction sites, describing the practice as degrading and dangerous. “We are known for being industrious, but not at that level. It is not our husbands that push us into it but lack of understanding. " Concrete work has been a serious obstacle to our women, especially pregnant ones. This is a bad representation of our people, so we came together to put a stop to it. This is the time for change,” Nwenyi stated. She disclosed that the group had already carried out aggressive sensitization across Izzi communities, encouraging women to embrace education as a pathway to poverty eradication.

Princess Nwenyi also condemned the rising trend of indecent dressing among both men and women, warning that anyone found engaging in such would be arrested and handed over to the police. “We are totally against men wearing earrings, women walking half-naked, without bras, or indecently dressed. If we see you, we will lock you up. There will be no fine attached, you will remain there until you repent,” she warned. She appreciated Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support and assured him of the group’s continued solidarity. The wife of the former Governor of Ebonyi State and a daughter of the clan, Chief Mrs. Josephine Nwuzor Elechi, also frowned at the involvement of Izzi women in hard labor and advised them to desist and rather pursue education and skill development. In the same vein, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, Rt. Rev. Monday Nkwoagu, and the wife of the a successful business mogul, Mrs Mary Nkwegu commended the women for their bold initiative. They urged them to embrace skill acquisition, agriculture, and adult education instead of engaging in hard labor for the sake of their health and wellbeing. The event featured the empowerment of fifty women who were identified to had been working as marsons and cement servers in various building sites in the state.