NCWS National President, Princess Edna D. D. Azura, Honored in Her Home State of Adamawa with a Grand Reception and Thanksgiving

The homecoming of Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), the 16th National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria, transformed Adamawa State into a hub of celebration, recognition, and renewed commitment to women’s empowerment and climate action.

The series of events, which took place from July 30th to August 3rd, 2025, marked her remarkable journey from grassroots activism in Adamawa to the pinnacle of women’s leadership in Nigeria following her inauguration as the new NCWS National President.

Grand Civic Reception and Awards Ceremony

On July 30th, 2025, the Adamawa State chapter of NCWS hosted a grand civic reception at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yola to honor the “people’s princess.” The colorful event also celebrated His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who was decorated with the “He-for-She Award” and formally honored as the “Champion of Adamawa Women” for his inclusive governance and commitment to gender equality.

Other distinguished leaders were also honored for their roles in advancing women’s leadership and empowerment. They included:

• Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta
• Her Excellency, the First Lady of Adamawa State, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Uwar-Marayu).
• The Speaker Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley Mava’ama.
• The Chief Judge, Justice Hapsatu Abdulrahman.
• Majority Leader Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kate Mamuno
• Former Member House of Reps, Hon. Chief Stephen Maduwa
• Hon Chairman Fufore LGA, Hon. Peace Samson Audu.
  These leaders attended with large dignitaries to receive their awards and honor their “indefatigable daughter.”

Other dignitaries present at the reception included:

• The Bishop of LCCN Yola Diocese, Rt. Rev. Theophilus Shedrach
• The Dean of St. Monica Cathedral, Dean Rev. Babangida Joseph and other pastors.
• Senator Binos Yero
• Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Alaba Adum John and other members of the State House of Assembly.
• Former Member State House of Assembly, Hon. Wafari Theman
• Provost College of Education Hong, Prof. Benson Baha
• Former Head of Service, Dr Lewis Mandama.
• DG Mariam Babangida National Center for Women Development (NCWD), Hon. Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir and other dignitaries from outside the state.
• Hon. Commissioner of Women Affairs.
• Hon. Commissioner for Education.
• Hon. Commissioner for Transport and other Commissioners.
• Former Commissioner, Hon. Rejoice P. Aguntara
• Traditional Rulers from Hong Chiefdom.
• Permanent Secretaries
• Senior Special Advisers to the Governor
• Local Government Chairmen
• Former Chairman Guyuk LGA, Hon. Albert Zwings
• Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen
• National Officer, the First Assistant Secretary NCWS Nigeria, Haj. Halima Joda
• State President from Taraba and Yobe.
• Presidents and members of various organizations in the state.
• Women of Timber and Caliber in Adamawa State.

The reception also featured the launch of the inaugural edition of NCWS Adamawa magazine, an exhibition of women-led enterprises, and the induction of the wives of the 21 Local Government Chairmen as grassroots patrons of NCWS.

Election and Inauguration of New State Executives

The second day included the election and inauguration of NCWS Adamawa State Chapter EXCO, with Mrs. Rebecca Kwabe emerging as the new State President.

The International Hoba Youth Council, which had years back appointed Princess Edna D D Azura as their international “Mother (AMA),” honored her again by dressing her in traditional attire and gave her an award in addition to the award previously given to her. The Hong Branch of NCWS Adamawa State also presented her with a special gift as a token of appreciation for her leadership and service.

Thanksgiving Service and Reception

On August 3rd, 2025, Princess Edna D. D. Azura led her family, friends, supporters and her wonderful neighbours in a Thanksgiving Service at St. Monica LCCN, Jimeta, Yola, where she gave thanks to God for her emergence as National President.

During her testimony, she recounted her humble beginnings in NCWS and the journey that led her to national leadership. The service was followed by a lively reception attended by highly respected dignitaries, including her beloved husband, Hon. Prince D. D. Azura, Esq., along with his friends, relatives, and well-wishers, as well as representatives from various church denominations and organizations who came to show their solidarity.

Tree Planting and Climate Action Campaign

To continue the celebration, NCWS, under Princess Edna D. D. Azura’s leadership, launched a National Tree Planting Campaign in collaboration with the International Council of Women (ICW). The campaign, themed “Empowering Women Through Sustainable Tree Planting,” was flagged off in Hong and Mayo-Belwa LGAs in Adamawa State.
Anchored by environmental experts, Mr. Ishaya Adamu, Mr. Ibrahim Jacob and Dr. Bamsida Zakaria, the campaign connected women’s empowerment to climate action and green entrepreneurship. Rural women and the entire communities were educated on how tree planting could provide income, improve nutrition, and combat the effects of climate change while securing a greener future. Over 1,000 trees were planted across two of her senatorial zones, the central and southern zones, signaling the beginning of a wider national movement on tree planting.

A Homecoming of Impact

From the grand civic reception in Yola to the election of the new NCWS EXCO, the thanksgiving service, and the launch of a climate-smart women’s campaign that planted over 1,000 trees, the events in Adamawa showcased Princess Edna D. D. Azura not just as a leader being celebrated, but as a woman on a mission to uplift Nigerian women, strengthen communities, and secure a sustainable future.

Her recognition in her home state, where her passion for women’s development first took root, stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are empowered to lead.

Media Unit, NCWS Nigeria