GRLife
Monica Ugwuanyi: The Virtuous First Lady of Enugu State


By Sandra Gabriel [Women/Fashion Editor]
The monumental development in Enugu State as piloted by the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s (Gburugburu) administration in Enugu State leaves no one in doubt. He stands firm for grassroots development.
Well, the best kept secret of the trailblazing performance is that the very fountains of this government are supported by a very strong vessel- the first lady.
Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi is such a virtuous woman whose counsel can never be valued a little, because her winged spirit is feathered often times with heavenly words, and, like her beauty, ravishing and pure.
This supports the popular saying that behind every successful man is a woman; in this case, Mrs. Ugwuanyi represents even more, a supportive, dynamic and spirited woman of repute.
Actually, those who said there is power in name can’t be wrong. In the 4th century this name, Monica, was borne by the North African St. Monica of Hippo, the mother of Saint Augustine. Since the Middle Ages it has been associated with Latin moneo“advisor” and Greek monos “one”. As the occupant of His Excellency’s heart, her intelligent advisory is very glaring in a manner the State affairs are conducted wearing human face.
While standing behind the Husband as ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’, Her Excellency is not lacking the soothing balm that calms the nerves when tensions are high.
Many who know her understand that her milk of compassion for the vulnerable keeps flowing from one Senatorial District Enugu State to another. In fact, while launching Ugo Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) in April 2017, she said, “Learn to be compassionate to one another to attract the blessings of the Lord. Your time is enough for us to touch somebody’s life. All hands must be on deck to move Enugu State forward. Let us start working together; It is important to touch the lives of our people especially the vulnerable ones.” It takes a touched heart to reach out to the stretched hands of the needy.
Just like the husband who believes, not in propaganda-governance, rather touching lives of the very downtrodden in the society, Monica Ugwuanyi has been building on the pet-project (U-TOLF Foundation); through medical outreach to nooks and crannies of the State.
She has demonstrated that, truly, compassion, if transmitted in form of medical facilities will improve on the health of the citizens, especially those living in the rural areas.The U-TOLF’s healthcare programmes has provided free cervical and breast cancer screening, enlightenment, and treatment to thousands of women, while men are provided with free prostate cancer screening and care.
U-TOLF has provided free eye screening and treatment as well as free de-worming of thousands of school children in rural areas. The Foundation also builds sickbay and carry out other health campaigns, such as hygiene to promote health in rural schools.
Further research shows that Mrs. Ugwuanyi, has through the same pet-project offered scholarships to indigents citizens, ensured that orphans and children of the poor do not miss out on primary and secondary education.
Impressively, those covered by this scholarship scheme are cared for down to their uniforms, sandals, books and writing materials throughout their junior and senior secondary education.
Her fond for women economical empowerment not only let’s her provide free vocational training for these women, she also personally hands them the requisite facilities to start up their own businesses. Farm inputs, such as fertiliser, are also distributed to woman in rural areas every farming season.
The amiable wife of the Governor also understands the vital role of women in housekeeping. Therefore, she personally takes it upon herself to enlighten women on home management, household hygiene, clean cook, and among others.
Yet she isn’t making noise about it!
Her spiritual stamina is also never in doubt. This family loves God! She has taken it upon herself to run with the task of recommitting Enugu into God’s hands on the 9th day of every month on the platform of the Enugu State Women Prayer Network.
She has not only been mobilizing Enugu women to pray, she also put structures in place to minister to the educational, health, and economic needs of the less privileged in the State.
Today, the results are endearing: Enugu State has been variously rated as one of the most peaceful and secured states in Nigeria. Whereas richer States lament of a casting down, unable to pay salaries, Enugu State has continued to witness a lifting up.
Enugu is not only among the few states that pay workers regularly, equitable development projects are going on in every part of the State. For a very long time in the history of this State created in 1991, the State government paid workers 13th month salary. You need to visit Enugu State to see the joy on the faces of the people: this is true democracy.
Also, indigenes of the State who could ill afford transport fares to visit their loved ones during the yuletide season were provided with free buses.
To this end, GrassRoots.ng, representing the people’s voices, celebrates this amazon; a solid pillar behind the successes recorded in the State in less than three years. Enugu State is truly in the safe hands of God.




Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their 10th Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title, saying that they demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit.
The Super Falcons, who fell behind by two goals in the first half, staged a memorable comeback in Rabat in the second half, beating their Moroccan counterparts before their huge crowd of home fans to lift the WAFCON 2025 trophy courtesy of goals delivered by Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
Mbah, who took to his verified social media handle, @PNMbah, to celebrate the impressive Nigerian side wrote, “Congratulations, Super Falcons, on your well-deserved WAFCON 2025 triumph.
“Coming from two goals down to beat the Moroccans to the trophy underscores the resilience and invincibility of the Nigerian spirit and what we can achieve as a people by working together in oneness of mind.
“We are super proud of you.
“Again, congratulations, girls, and keep flying higher.”
Spotlight
From Humble Roots To Heroic Heights: A Celebration Of Chief Richard Ikpe’s Life Of Purpose
Writer: ROMMY IMAH


“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley
Sunday, July 20, 2025, was not just another birthday, it was a grand testimony to a life well-lived, a journey of impact, and a legacy still unfolding. The occasion marked the birthday of a distinguished son of Umukparo Mbala Isuochi, a man whose name evokes admiration and reverence: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe, KJW, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi.
In an era where selflessness is scarce and true leadership is defined by service, Chief Ikpe stands tall as an embodiment of philanthropy, excellence, humility, and tireless community spirit.
From modest beginnings, he has risen through the ranks to become a business magnate, a committed mentor, and a pillar of his community. Yet, through it all, he has worn his achievements with a humility that only true greatness can afford.
Like Muhammad Ali would say, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Chief Ikpe’s life is a shining reflection of this eternal truth. Known far and wide as Nwazuoro Oha 1, a chieftaincy title conferred upon him at a relatively young age in recognition of his extraordinary kindness and service to humanity, he has indeed lived up to that name, the one who gives freely to the multitude. It is not just a title; it is his very essence. Whether in times of joy or distress, he is the first to show up, to give, to support, to build, to counsel.
An uncommon philanthropist, Chief Ikpe does not give for applause or prestige; he gives because it is in his nature to uplift others. Scores of men and women, once struggling to find their feet, are today standing tall in their various vocations because Chief Ikpe believed in them, invested in them, and mentored them, quietly, deliberately, and effectively. They are entrepreneurs, professionals, and contributors to society today because one man decided their destiny must not be tied to poverty.
Tom Peters, a famous researcher, consultant, writer and management guru in the area of successful business management practices once said, “True leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders.”
Indeed, leadership for Chief Richard Ikpe is not about position or pomp, it is about purpose. It is this same drive that compels him to remain deeply invested in the affairs and development of his beloved Mbala Isuochi.
From youth empowerment to infrastructure initiatives, from community health drives to educational support schemes, Chief Ikpe is ever at the forefront, mobilizing resources and galvanizing people towards a better tomorrow for Mbala and Isuochi. His love for the land of his birth is not a mere sentiment; it is an active mission.
As a Knight of John Wesley in the Methodist Church, Chief Ikpe brings his faith to bear not only in the church pews but in the marketplace, in boardrooms, and on the dusty roads of Mbala. His Christianity is not loud, but it is loud enough to be felt by the widows he has helped, the church he has helped to build, and the lives he has transformed through silent generosity. This is further corroborated by Prophet Muhammad’s statement that “A man’s true wealth is the good he does in this world.”
Nwazuoro Oha’s birthday celebration on July 20, 2025, was more than an occasion of joy. It was a festival of gratitude, a gallery of glowing tributes from family, friends, protégés, and admirers. Testimonies poured in, of school fees paid without asking, of businesses funded without conditions, of advice given in humility, of open doors and shoulders offered in times of sorrow.
What strikes everyone who encounters Chief Ikpe is his gentle strength. He is humble but firm, approachable but principled, generous but disciplined. There is a serenity about him that commands respect, and a warmth that invites you in. Even in circles of influence and affluence, he remains down-to-earth, unassuming, and always relatable.
His life story is a profound inspiration to the younger generation: that one can rise from the depths of struggle to the heights of influence, not by cutting corners, but by hard work, integrity, and compassion. He stands today as a reminder that background does not determine destiny, and that success without service is empty.
As the candles were lit and the songs were sung on his birthday, one thing became clear: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe is not just growing in age; he is growing in legacy. His is a life that calls others to service, to excellence, and to the higher ideals of humanity.
May his days be long, his strength be renewed, and his impact multiplied. And like someone once charged, “Let us not seek to be great, but to do great things.”
Chief Ikpe, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi, is doing great things—and the world is better for it.
Entertainment
Elie Kamano’s Anthem Amplifies Pan-African Reparations Call with Striking New Music Video


Guinean artist and activist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new music video for his single, “Ils veulent l’Afrique sans les Africains” (“They Want Africa Without Africans”), delivering a bold artistic statement that fuses political resistance, cultural memory, and Pan-African solidarity.
Filmed on the sacred grounds of the Thiaroye mass graves in Dakar, the video honors victims of one of colonialism’s most heinous massacres. Kamano’s visual tribute transforms the site into a defiant stage, linking Africa’s historical trauma to the modern reparations movement. With raw lyricism and symbolic imagery, the video makes a clear demand: “Africa will reclaim what Europe stole.”
The release arrives at a pivotal moment. The African Union has declared 2025 as the Year of Reparations, providing institutional momentum to cultural and civic efforts across the continent. In Dakar, a recent high-profile conference reignited demands for justice surrounding the Thiaroye massacre, leading Senegalese authorities to launch archaeological excavations to document the scope of the 1944 French military crime—evidence that may substantiate formal reparations claims to France.
The reparations conversation has visibly moved to the streets. Dakar’s walls now feature bold graffiti murals demanding €50 trillion in reparations from former colonial powers—vivid calls for justice that cannot be ignored. In Bamako, Malian scholars and policymakers echo the urgency, calling for strategic frameworks that link historical redress with sustainable African futures.
Kamano’s work stands at the intersection of music and movement—galvanizing Pan-African youth, scholars, and policymakers alike. His anthem doesn’t just commemorate the past—it ignites the future.
“This is not just a song,” says Kamano. “It’s a voice for the voiceless. A call for dignity. A battle cry for what is rightfully ours.”