Dr. (Mrs) Umoh Gabriel TonyUdoh: Chronicles of the Most Supportive First Lady
Behind every successful man, there is often a woman who plays a vital role in shaping his achievements. In the political landscape, this significant role is often fulfilled by the First Lady. Throughout history, leader’s wives have stood beside their husbands with immense dedication, offering unwavering support during their tenure in positions of leadership. In this small piece, I will delve into the life of one particular First Lady who epitomizes the meaning of true support – the most supportive wife of a Chairman.
Understanding First Lady’s Support:
Though the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for the specific roles of the office of the FIRST LADY but their role is unique in a democratic setting. It requires a blend of strength, grace, and diplomacy. Providing emotional support, serving as a confidante, and championing causes is a delicate balance that not every spouse can easily navigate. However, there is one woman who excels in all these aspects and more.
Meet Umoh Gabriel TonyUdoh (PhD): A Beacon of Support:
_A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfill the years of his life in peace. A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord._
Umoh, the wife of the Essien Udim Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Anthony Luke exhibited unparalleled support throughout her husband’s tenure. From the moment they were sworn in Umoh dedicated herself to uplifting her husband’s administration and the people at the grassroots. Umoh is a great and visionary woman with a compassionate heart of a mother, Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double. she is the source of the husband’s strength.
Policy Advocate and Philanthropist:
Umoh took on several initiatives as First Lady, focusing mainly on issues such as education, child abuse and gender-based violence. She has been at the forefront of the war against rape and GBV in Essien Udim where she is the Local Government Coordinator of Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Committee, a pet project of the office of the wife of the governor. She has made several interventions by sensitising both girls and boys on how to protect themselves against any form of abuse. She also ensured justice for victims of rape and violence in the area.
Promoting Unity and Inspiring Hope in Essien Udim:
While Dr Umoh championed these causes, she also used her platform to foster a sense of unity and hope within the local government area. She became a role model for young girls across Essien Udim, emphasizing the importance of education and encouraging them to set high aspirations. Her speeches and public engagements often conveyed messages of inclusivity and empathy, providing a sense of optimism during tumultuous times. She played a prominent role in peace-building in Essien Udim even as she stood by her husband and provided the needed moral, psychological and mental support throughout the fight against “unknown gunmen” who invaded some communities in Essien Udim. Umoh is a woman with a lion’s heart.
Other Achievements and Initiatives
Recently, the chairman’s wife introduced the “Back to School” Programme that aimed at empowering school children in primary and secondary schools with academic materials as they return to school for the new academic session and to create awareness of some contemporary challenges affecting them in school. During the programme which was the first of its kind in the history of Essien Udim, the children numbering about 300 were kitted with school sandals, bags, raincoats, writing materials, calculators, math sets and financial support for school uniforms and other things. The First Lady also brought in experts in different fields as resource persons to motivate and create awareness on adolescent health, self-esteem, gender-based violence, drug abuse, and bullying among other thought-provoking topics.
Earlier in the year, the chairman’s wife had also organised a similar event for students of Okon Secondary Commercial School where she also brought in the Medical women association of Nigeria MWAN to create awareness among the students on menstrual hygiene. At the end of the event which was to mark the year 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day saw Dr Umoh empowering the female students with hygiene packs containing pads, toiletries and deodorants. The boys were not left out as the First Lady also distributed toiletries and deodorants to them mark the day of the boy child. Again, the event was described by stakeholders who witnessed it as “unprecedented and uncommon in the history of Essien Udim.
Other laudable activities and programmes of the Essien Udim First Lady in support of her husband include donations of desks to schools, empowering small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, empowering women and widows with cash, wrappers and foodstuff, regular visits to different hospitals where she encouraged and supported the patients and also offset hospital bills/surgical bills to over 30 patients at St Mary’s Urua Akpan Hospital and General Hospital Ikpe Annang.
She also paid visits and gave foodstuff, clothings and financial support to parents of multiple birth in the area.
Personal Strength and Resilience:
Umoh’s support extended beyond policy and public appearances. Behind closed doors, she stood by her husband as a steadfast partner, offering guidance and encouragement. Throughout the intense scrutiny and the demands of the chairmanship, she provided a strong and steady presence, reinforcing their marriage as a rock-solid foundation.
Empowering the Widows (Wife of Nigerians Fallen Heros -Nigerian Legion)
Conclusion:
Supporting a chairman and leading a people is an immense responsibility that requires endless dedication and perseverance. Dr Umoh proved that she was not only the most supportive wife of a chairman but also an advocate for change and unity. Through her initiatives, advocacy, and personal strength, she demonstrated the power of unwavering support. Umoh’s legacy exemplifies the impact a supportive wife can have on a chairman’s success and the local government as a whole. You will agree with me that Dr Umoh Gabriel Tonyudoh is a woman with a golden heart.
