- MWAN EBONYI
MWAN ENUGU STATE CHAPTER
Dr Chioma Laura Odimegwu
President 2023-2025 Biennium
History of MWAN Enugu
In 1979 MWAN held its first National Biennial Conference in Lagos with the theme “Survival of the child in the Nigerian environment.” Professor Nene Agugua-Obianyo was the only female doctor from the South-East in attendance. Upon her return to Enugu, she made membership drives and convened the first meeting in May 1979.
MWAN Enugu was born. It was formerly called MWAN Anambra State zone before the creation of states. The most senior female doctor in the state at that time was Dr. Winifred Kaine and she was invited to become the First President of MWAN Enugu (then Anambra) while Professor Obianyo became the First Secretary.
The Inauguration:
On 26th of January 1980, MWAN Enugu was officially inaugurated by a team of National Officers at the main hall UNEC, becoming the third zone to be inaugurated following Oyo and Lagos.
On 31st, August 1986 Professor Nene Obianyo, who had become President at the time inaugurated the Onitsha branch of MWAN Anambra State. This branch subsequently became Anambra State Zone in 1992 after the creation of states in 1991, while the Enugu branch became the Enugu State Zone.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Since its inception, MWAN Enugu has been dedicated to promoting women’s health and well-being, advocating for the rights of the Nigerian child, and combating harmful practices affecting women. Today, the chapter continues to thrive, inspiring a new generation of women leaders and healthcare professionals.
MWAN Enugu has been at the forefront in advocacy and eradication of harmful practices to women since its inception. Notable projects have been on the
- Rights of the Nigerian child
- gender-based violence,
- female genital mutilation,
- screening and prevention of breast via clinical breast examination
- screening of cervical cancers – pap smears
- screening of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity,
- Promotion of adolescent health
- screening for HIV and eight
- Promotion of menstrual hygiene and
- School health awareness programs
- Dental health outreach programs
- Human papilloma virus vaccination
- TV Health Talk Shows on Afia TV DSTV Channel 256
- Radio Health Talk Shows on Afia FM, Urban Radio, Correct FM, Radio Nigeria, Solid FM
Milestone Achievements
A major milestone was achieved in 1992 when the then governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, donated a bungalow to MWAN Enugu as a MWAN center where screening for breast and cervical cancer and non-communicable diseases are carried out to date. This made MWAN Enugu the first zone in Nigeria to have its own center.
In the year 2024, MWAN Enugu made history with the introduction of Breast Sonography in her annual October free breast and cervical screening. About 40 women received free breast sonograms in the MWAN Enugu Center. This was achieved by the collaboration between MWAN Enugu and Breast Imaging Society of Nigeria (BISON) Enugu under the leadership of Dr Chioma Odimegwu as MWAN President and Dr Amaka Nnamani as BISON President.
MWAN Enugu has remained visible and active at state, national and international levels of the association. She has produced three National Presidents namely Professor Winifred Kaine, Professor Nene Agugua- Obianyo and Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi. She has produced two National Editors of the MWAN Journal, namely Professor Ifeoma Okoye, a past President of MWAN Enugu and the current Editor, Associate Professor Nneka Iloanusi.
It is a team of pride to MWAN Enugu that the current International President of MWIA Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi started as a member of MWAN Enugu. She became the President of MWAN Enugu in 1997 and subsequently became National President of MWAN. She is the first Nigerian to become the International President of MWIA in 100 years of its existence.
MWAN Enugu will always be in the vanguard for promoting health of women in the society, the younger generation of MWAN group members are showing no signs of slowing down and will keep the flag flying.
MWAN ENUGU Past Presidents
Associates Professor Winifred Kaine (1980 to 1983.] – Pioneer President
Professor Nene Agugua-Obianyo 1983 to 1991
Professor Ifeoma Okoye 1991 to 1993
Late Professor Esther Ofoegbu 1993 to 1995
Professor Ngozi Ibeziako 1995 to 1997
Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi 1997 to 1999
Dr Fidelia Akpa 1999 to 2001
Late Professor Nnenna Mgbor 2001-2003
Late Dr Ada Nwokocha 2003-2005
Dr Theresa Madubuko 2005-2007
Prof Ngozi Ifebunandu 2007-2009
Professor Ifeoma Ulasi (2009-2011)
Professor Uchenna Ijoma 2011-2013
Dr Olive Obienu 2013-2015
Dr Esther Ekwe 2015-2017
Dr Fausta Chioma Emegoakor 2017-2019
Dr Omosivie Ugwu 2019-2021
Dr Ijeoma Obianyo 2021-2023