By Emeka Chiaghanam
The atmosphere in Awka was
heavy with emotion as the immediate past Anambra State Commissioner for Women
Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, formally stepped away from office with
a powerful farewell message centred on compassion, justice and service to
humanity.
Addressing journalists in the
Anambra State capital, the former commissioner reflected on her years in
government, describing the experience as far more than a political assignment.
According to her, the office became a platform for touching lives, restoring
hope and defending people who often had nobody to speak for them.
Standing before reporters with
visible emotion, Obinabo said her heart was filled with gratitude, reflection
and hope as she looked back on her stewardship.
She explained that serving
women, children and vulnerable residents across the state helped her better
understand the true meaning of leadership. To her, public office was never
about power or position, but about protecting human dignity and standing beside
struggling people during difficult times.
The former commissioner said
being entrusted with the responsibility of defending women, supporting families
and protecting children remained one of the greatest privileges of her life.
She also paid glowing tribute
to the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for giving her the
opportunity to serve.
Obinabo thanked the governor
for what she described as consistent encouragement and political support
throughout her time in office. According to her, the governor’s backing made it
easier for her ministry to pursue programmes aimed at improving the lives of
vulnerable people across the state.
She noted that leadership is
built on trust and added that she remained sincerely grateful for the
confidence reposed in her.
The former commissioner further
praised Soludo’s commitment to social welfare policies, saying his support
played a major role in the achievements recorded during her tenure.
Observers at the farewell
briefing noted that Obinabo became widely known during her years in office for
her passionate advocacy for women’s rights, child protection and social
inclusion.
In another major highlight of
the occasion, the International Human Rights Observatory Africa praised
Obinabo’s record in office.
In a statement signed by
Ambassador Chimbo Obieze, the organisation described her leadership style as
compassionate, impactful and deeply committed to humanity.
The group stated that her years
in office were marked by dedication to the welfare and empowerment of women,
children and vulnerable groups. It added that her interventions positively
affected many lives and strengthened the cause of social justice in Anambra State.
The organisation also commended
her resilience and commitment to service, expressing confidence that her
influence would continue beyond government office.
Despite leaving office, Obinabo
made it clear that she had no intention of abandoning humanitarian work.
In one of the most emotional
moments of the briefing, she assured women groups, supporters and vulnerable
citizens that her passion for justice and equality remained alive.
She declared that leaving
office was not the end of her journey but merely a transition to another phase
of service.
According to her, the struggle
for justice, dignity and fairness goes beyond holding public office because it
comes from the heart.
Obinabo stressed that although
she was stepping away from government, she was not stepping away from the cause
she had devoted herself to over the years.
She promised to continue
speaking for vulnerable people and defending those who need support the most.
The outgoing commissioner also
extended warm congratulations to the incoming Commissioner for Women Affairs
and Social Welfare, Esther Chinyere Onyekesi.
She described the office as
demanding but rewarding and urged her successor to build on existing
achievements while pursuing even greater impact.
Obinabo encouraged the incoming
commissioner to remain committed to programmes that protect women and children
across the state.
As the farewell gathering came
to an end, she left supporters with a hopeful message.
She urged women, children and
vulnerable residents not to lose hope, assuring them that brighter days still
lie ahead.
With calm determination, she
promised that her humanitarian passion would continue long after leaving
office.
“Anambra will be better. Our
women will be stronger. Our children will be safer. And the voiceless will
never be forgotten,” she declared.
Those final words captured the
spirit of a farewell speech built around compassion, service and purpose.
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