A group of women in the rural Kokodiagbene community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, joined ranks together in tune with the concept of synergy to contribute to community development through women's empowerment.

Adopting the name, 'The Selected Ladies of Kokodiagbene Community', influenced by the special place they occupy as a collective force, held their first annual meeting celebration on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with the bold step to raise funds to procure a 200HP fast boat worth millions of naira to help facilitate the movement of the women group within and outside the kingdom.

The first annual meeting celebration was chaired by Comrade Ark Selegha, Chairman of Kokodiagbene Community, and Mrs. Loveth Eguare, with Chief Emmanuel Ekpetipu, Chief (Capt.) Felix Eguare, Chief Paul Ukuli, Engr. Michael Tonlagha, among other guests.

The association's chair lady, Mrs. Enoh Stanley, used the occasion to commend members of the women group for their collective efforts to stand for women, and also called for continued efforts from stakeholders to keep supporting women's empowerment.

She said, "Today, we gather to celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of women in our community. This milestone marks a significant step in fostering unity, empowerment and collective growth.

"I commend the organizers (Selected Ladies of Kokodiagbene Community) for their dedication to promoting women's empowerment and community development. Your efforts will undoubtedly yield lasting impact and inspire future generations. 

"As we celebrate this achievement, let us also look forward to the future, exploring ways to continue empowering women and strengthening our community," Mrs. Enoh appealed.

The Selected Ladies also thanked stakeholders for their financial support, including High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo AKA Tompolo; Engr. Michael Tonlagha, Hon. Christopher Omula; Engr. Dude Tonlagha, Engr. Lelegha Timiyan: Engr. Powede Johnson among many others.

While acknowledging the roles played by its chairman, Amb. (Dr.) Uyadonghan Powede (JP), who is the Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the association gifted him with a photo frame.

A photo frame was also presented by the women to another of its benefactor, an entrepreneur and leader from Egbema Kingdom and chief executive of OCI Hotels & Suites, Amb. Ojowuro City Iyekoroghawei.

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