In a clear demonstration of “women supporting women,” over one hundred and ninety women and friends from different parts of Nigeria have gathered in Awka, Anambra State’s Capital to celebrate one of their own, Mrs. Gladys Okafor, the first Awka Woman to attain the rank of Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service NCS.
Mrs. Okafor, a registered nurse, midwife, counselor and criminologist was only one out of the two women among thirty seven persons promoted to the rank of Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in 2019 and currently is the Controller, Custodial Service Medical, Zonal Headquarters Lagos.
David Okpokwasili was at the reception which started with a thanksgiving mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral Awka and reports that Mrs. Okafor popularly called Diamond by her friends and well -wishers, a multiple award winner from her workplace, the Church, and her community is being celebrated to shine the light on the importance of girl child education in empowering women and making them major players in decision making at different levels of society.
Her friends, women and professionals in different disciplines, hope, therefore that the ceremony, beyond celebrating Mrs. Okafor, will encourage other young women to aspire to reach the peaks of their career and service to humanity.
A visiting priest from the Redemptionist Renewal Centre Ibadan, Reverend Father Celestine Okah, in his homily at the thanksgiving mass, likened the selfless virtues of Mrs. Okafor to that of Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus who played a selfless role not minding protecting her reputation in bringing salvation to mankind.
The Chairman Planning Committee for the reception and President General, Awka Development Union of Nigeria, Women Wing, Barrister Mrs. Oge Ekweozor described Mrs. Okafor as a woman who fears God and understands that whatever position she occupied in life is meant for service to humanity.
The Husband to the Celebrant, Engineer Christopher Okafor who said his marriage to his wife was God’s gift to him, also said his wife puts all she has in impacting lives, while the celebrant, Mrs. Okafor, filled with joy for the new rank and God’s blessings upon her life, advised young women to always be hardworking, show dedication and commitment in all they do to receive eternal reward.
In other testimonials by the chairman on the Occasion, retired Rear Admiral OP Ozojiofor, the father of the day, retired Lieutenant General Chukwukadibia Obiakor, the mother of the day, retired Justice Celine Nweke, Mrs. Franca Ozojiofor and the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Anambra State, Chief Ndubisi Nwobu praised the selflessness of Mrs. Okafor.
Empowerment of some selected women on behalf of the Celebrant, Mrs. Okafor by her friends was the highlight of the event.
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