COOUTH, Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Move to Forge Partnership on Women’s Empowerment, Healthcare
The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has expressed the hospital’s readiness to partner with organisations committed to women’s empowerment, social development and improved healthcare delivery.
Dr. Umeakuewulu stated this on Friday, when she received the President General of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo, Iyom Josephine Aninih, MNI, and members of the association during a familiarisation visit to the hospital.
The visit was aimed at establishing a working relationship with COOUTH, congratulating Dr. Umeakuewulu on her emergence as the first female Chief Medical Director of the institution, and inviting her to the association’s forthcoming event scheduled for October 27, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Speaking during the visit, Iyom Aninih said Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo, a six-year-old association, brings together Igbo women by birth and marriage to promote women’s voices, preserve Igbo cultural heritage and encourage positive changes in societal values.
She explained that the association was established to challenge mindsets that have historically limited women’s voices and aspirations, while encouraging them to participate actively in shaping society.
Aninih also stressed the need for parents to teach their children the Igbo language and instil in them a strong appreciation of their cultural identity.
According to her, speaking one’s mother tongue does not diminish a child’s ability to communicate fluently in other languages but rather helps preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the child’s sense of identity.
“We must maintain our identity as Ndi Igbo,” she declared, emphasising the need for a deliberate change in mindset to preserve the language, values and traditions that define the Igbo people” she added.
She added that the association was interested in partnering with individuals, organisations and philanthropists who share its commitment to value reorientation, women’s development and social reform.
Responding, Dr. Umeakuewulu commended the association for its vision and commitment to empowering women and promoting positive social change.
She identified the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, which she leads as president, as another platform through which women can amplify their voices, contribute meaningfully to society and influence positive change.
The COOUTH CMD expressed satisfaction with the objectives of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo, noting that sustainable societal development requires collective responsibility, purposeful collaboration and the active participation of women.
She assured the delegation of the hospital’s willingness to explore areas of partnership with the association and other organisations whose objectives align with COOUTH’s commitment to improving healthcare services and promoting public well-being.
Dr. Umeakuewulu said her vision for COOUTH extended beyond providing medical services to building an institution defined by excellence, innovation, collaboration and compassionate care.
According to her, achieving this vision requires strong partnerships with individuals and groups capable of contributing ideas, resources and initiatives that will strengthen the hospital and expand its positive impact on the community.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of COOUTH and Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo to promoting women’s participation in societal development, preserving Igbo cultural identity and advancing positive social change through purposeful collaboration.
Under Dr. Umeakuewulu’s leadership, the hospital said it remained open to constructive partnerships that support its institutional transformation agenda, strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the well-being of the people it serves.
