Lady Maria Ihionu, the visionary founder of Akokwa Digital Ladies, has shed light on her mission to position Akokwa on the global map.
In a recent interview, she shared insights into the organization’s goals, emphasizing the importance of leveraging digital innovation to transform her community. Excerpts:
Can we meet you?
My name is Nneoma Lady Maria Ihinou (Chibundu).I’m the MD/CEO Reliable Steel and Plastic Industries Ltd and Reliable Farms & Agro Based Industries Ltd.
Reliable Plastics Industries Ltd is one of the biggest cooler and food flask manufacturing companies in Nigeria
You are the brain behind Akokwa Digital Ladies, ADL. What motivated you into founding the group and what is the group all about? What does ADL aim to achieve?
Akokwa Digital Ladies, ADL is a non profit organisation made up of women of Akokwa descent either by birth or marriage and we are gearing up for our maiden ADL Akokwa carnival. ADL aims at eradicating poverty and helping the vulnerable, especially in Akokwa, make meaning out of life.
ADL would strive to foster love, unity and sisterhood among Akokwa women at home and diaspora. ADL will help project Akokwa to the rest of Nigeria and to the world, we are projecting the elegant tributes of Akokwa women which include intelligence, wisdom, humility and conviviality.
Akokwa Ditigal Ladies is for all women, either by birth or marriage, and of sound mind, living in Akokwa or in diaspora…we also aim to to bring Akokwa women under one umbrella to achieve common goal of fostering love, sisterhood, serving humanity and lending our shoulders to the vulnerable, the less privileged in the society, especially in Akokwa.
Why carnival? What is the essence of ADL Carnival? Some will say, Akokwa women are venturing where Akokwa mem hasn’t ventured into. What is your take on this?
The carnival is our maiden cultural fiesta, it is infact a two- day tourism fiesta slated for December 28-29,2024 at St.Peter Anglican Church compound, Akokwa, Ideato North local government area of Imo state.The event will feature a variety of side attractions like Cultural performances, local cuisines displays, handicrafts, workshops and health talks among others and will be covered live by national and international media organisations.
At the event, Awards will also be bestowed on notable sons and daughters of Akokwa who have distinguished themselves in their careers and other fields of endeavour.ADL, through the Carnival, aims at showcasing to the world, Akokwa’s rich cultural heritage.There are high expectations from Akokwa women in this Carnival and we assure all that ADL will not disappoint. ADL’s decision to stage a carnival is not a direct challenge to Akokwa men but the women’s own contribution to putting Akokwa on the global stage, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, its fauna and sauna, fame and economic importance as a border town.
Among the towns in Imo state or even other towns that are in Ideato North LGA as Akokwa, what makes Akokwa unique? What distinguishes it from others that warrants a Carnival?
Akokwa is strategically located, Akokwa is a border town to Anambra state, Akokwa as a border town hosts many transport companies,it is a major economic hub in Imo state.Outside Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe, Akokwa holds a lot of attractions for businesses and business owners.It is on the strength of all these, that is, the social, geographical and economic significance of Akokwa, that ADL invites business owners and corporate organisations to tap into the huge market and audience that the carnival will present by sponsoring and attending the event. The ADL Akokwa Carnival will boost economic activities not only in Akokwa and its environs but also in the neighbouring Anambra communities.
What is your projection about attendance and success of the carnival?
The carnival will be graced by the creme la de creme in the society, including captains of industry, business moguls, top government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in and outside Akokwa as special guests. It will be a huge success and a future reference point for similar event in and outside Imo state.
What about artistes? Will the Carnival attract notable Nigerian artistes?
One of Imo state’s best event comperes, MC Imo, and another talented compere, Cruise With Joe will be on hand to direct proceedings.Akokwa born international MC, Okwuroha will also feature as one of the comperes. ADL is also currently discussing with major Nigerian artists for possible performances at the Carnival.
