By 1959, very few Abiriba girls had completed secondary school. Abiriba custom and tradition discouraged a girl from remaining unmarried long after puberty, believing that it would make her barren. Wedding ceremonies were planned for girls of various ages, betrothed or not. Mrs. Ugo Mkpa (nee Agwu Otisi), who attended Hope Waddell Training Institution in Calabar and Women Training College in Umuahia, was the first Abiriba girl to defy this norm. However, she not only completed her secondary education but also married and had children, one of whom is Prof. • Mkpa A. Mkpa), the former Secretary to the Abia State Government.
Thus she debunked the fallacy about barrenness and blazed a trail for others to follow. In an attempt to encourage girl-child education, particularly beyond the primary school level in Abiriba, the said Mrs. Ugo Mkpa invited a number of educated Abiriba women to seek a solution to the problem. It was at this meeting in 1959 in her house that AWCO was born with Mrs. Mkpa as founding president and Elder (Mrs.) Nnenna Uche as the founding secretary.
Membership of AWCO is open to all respectable Abiriba women, by birth or marriage, who are at least basically literate. The organization has branches in Aba, Umuahia, and Lagos, with the home branch in Abiriba. In addition, the Abiriba ladies in the diaspora have successfully established a branch in the United States.
As a registered Community Based Organization (CBO) and an NGO, AWCO participates in community development programs and activities aimed primarily at the development of the girl child and the care of the community’s poor and neglected old men and women. To encourage education and “catch them young”. In 1983, AWCO established the first government-approved nursery school in Abia state’s Aro/Ohaba L.G.A. She provided a school bus to transport students to and from school. Unfortunately, the school building was destroyed by fire in 1994 from unknown causes, thereby crippling the project.
As a result of her interest in post-primary education for girls, AWCO not only assisted the Egwuena Age Grade in clearing the site for the Egwuena Girls Secondary School, but also made other contributions to the school’s development. She built and donated the “AWCO HOUSE” dormitory block in 1964, built and furnished the principal’s quarters in 1965, and donated sewing machines, etc. to help equip the school’s Home Economics department.
AWCO published “The Enachioken” (A Collection of Abiriba Folklore) in 1996 to help preserve the positive aspects of Abiriba Culture. This has evolved into a veritable tool for our children’s entertainment and cultural education. Older people use it to reminisce about the past, while university students use it to research Igbo customs and traditions.
AWCO has shown a lot of concern about the plight of widows in Abiriba. A situation where a woman and her children are completely denied of the man’s property by his relations as soon as he dies is certainly most deplorable and obnoxious. The woman and her children are instantly reduced to poverty. Therefore, on 23rd August, 2003 AWCO invited the Enachioken-in-council, the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) and the various age grades to a meeting to protest against these unwholesome practices and appeal for a change of attitude towards the poor status of women in the community. The interaction, at least, yielded food for thought and indeed a catalyst for change. We thank God for the gradual change of attitude in some families.
The unwholesome widowhood practices and polygamy which may result in the women fending for themselves and their children meant that old women who did not have well to have relations and/or children are often always operating at the poverty level and become poorer and poorer as they age.
Meanwhile, constant pressure continued to be mounted on AWCO by the neglected old women in the community who needed help in cash and kind. Thus in 2003, AWCO started the “Aid To The Aged” (ATA) programme. During the Annual New Yam Festival, now celebrated in October, the organization gives out food items, clothing, money, and toiletries to neglected old men and women in the community. In 2003 the organization catered for 20 people. In 2005 AWCO received appeals from poor neglected old men who wanted to be included in the programme, so about 40 people were provided for in 2005. The numbers continue to increase! Now the items are distributed from ‘isi ogo’ to ‘isi ogo’.
So the pressure continues to mount. Needless to say, due to financial constraints, the programme still leaves many of these people unattended.
AWCO does not operate in isolation. She is affiliated with the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU), The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and The West African Women Association (WAWA). In fact, in 1996 AWCO was the only women’s organization that represented Abia State at the WAWA Conference in Abuja.
One of AWCO’s major concerns is the welfare of its members. As embedded in her constitution, she owes both social and financial obligations to her bereaved members and the families of her deceased members. Of course, she also gives moral and financial support to her members on happy occasions like weddings, Ime Uche ceremonies, etc. It was in 1984 when AWCO celebrated her silver jubilee that Elder Mrs. Nnnena Nduka composed the AWCO Anthem, which has been an inspiration and a clarion call to greater service. AWCO always welcomes new members and her motto remains: “Love, Unity, and Progress”
In 2007, AWCO in conjunction with Africa Organisation for Aged (AOFA), proposed to build a Resource/Recreation Centre for the aged to brighten their lives. As they listen to the radio or watch television, they would not only relax but also become more aware of what is happening around them outside their homes. They would avail themselves of the services of medical personnel who would check their blood pressure, HIV status, diabetes, etc. In essence, they will certainly live better quality lives, which would positively impact on their longevity.
In 2007, AWCO in conjunction with Africa Organisation for Aged (AOFA), proposed to build a Resource/Recreation Centre for the aged to brighten their lives. As they listen to the radio or watch television, they would not only relax but also become more aware of what is happening around them outside their homes. They would avail themselves of the services of medical personnel who would check their blood pressure, HIV status, diabetes, etc. In essence, they will certainly live better quality lives, which would positively impact on their longevity.
The foundation for the Centre was laid during the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Organisation on 21st’ November, 2009 on a piece of land within the premises of the Akahaba General Hospital (courtesy of the Abia State government through the efforts of Prof. Mkpa A. Mkpa). Work is progressing steadily on the project.
Proposed services of the centre:
- Mobile service will be established to reach out to beneficiaries in the outposts.
- A Social Security measure will be established where money could be given to indigent ones on monthly basis.
- There will be a health care unit where women health, do problems of the elderly person will be attended to.
- A Welfare Department will be established for collation and distribution of materials like blankets, beverages, clothes, etc.
- Organise occasional Seminars and workshops on care healthy living for the concerned old people.
- Indoor recreational activities in the Resource Centre including a variety of games, watching television, video etc.
- One balanced meal a day for those who may need them.
The Lagos Branch was inaugurated on the 9th October, 2011. This Branch is expected to be the new face of AWCO whose membership consists of mainly professional ladies who we expect will inject modern ideas into the organization while remaining faithful to their roots and core values. It offers them the opportunity to give back to their community, Abiriba, internalize AWCO ideals and sustain it for generations to come with other young members of the national body.
The first Sunday of the month is when we meet. Business discussions, folklore sharing, playing Abiriba games with our kids, safety advice, etc. are typically on the agenda. Our end-of-year feasts feature a range of indigenous Abiriba cuisines. We continue to provide financial and in-kind support for the yearly ATA program. We make an effort to take part in other national events as much as we can.
Without our husbands, brothers, and friends, the road thus far would have been more challenging. Our sponsors’ unfailing support is truly appreciated.