Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah
By Tony Adibe
The First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has urged well-meaning individuals to unite and rally round to invest in the potential of “our women” and recognise that “when women flourish, communities succeed, and nations prosper.”
Mrs Mbah made a passionate appeal for support for women empowerment, lauding the GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative (GWNMI), for its mentorship programme for women and youth.
The First Lady’s appeal and commendation came as the Founder/Executive Director of GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative, Mrs Rachel Edeh, urged women to, henceforth, rise, discover their potentials, and shine like stars in the firmament.
Both women spoke during this year’s “The GUTSY Experience 2025,” held on Saturday at The Base Event Center, Independence Layout, Enugu. The event was themed: “YOUR ERA TO BLOOM” with the objective of enabling women and youths to discover their potential, develop and utilise them maximally for the good of society.
Describing the theme of the event, “YOUR ERA TO BLOOM” as quite apt, Mrs. Mbah was quick to add: “This is a unique era in which every woman is called out of the shadows of limitation and into the radiant light of opportunity and self-actualisation”.
A cross section of the participants
The First Lady, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the wife of the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs Chidinma Egeonu, spoke on the essence of mentorship and why women and youths have to embrace it.
According to her, “mentorship is a powerful tool. It bridges the gap between potential and success. Through mentorship, knowledge is shared, confidence is built, and dreams are given a clear path to reality.”
She also spoke on the fact that the GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative acknowledged that no woman should be left to walk the journey of life alone. Mbah said: “This laudable initiative recognizes that no woman should walk the journey of life alone. Behind every successful woman is a mentor who believed in her, encouraged her, and guided her steps.”
The First Lady, whose speech also focused on what she regarded as the “sustainability of women development”, said women “are the nurturers of families, and the architects of sustainable development.”
She observed that too often, “many women face barriers that hinder their progress – whether due to lack of access to education, limited economic opportunities, or the absence of strong role models and mentors.”
She was of the view that the emergence of Gutsy Women Network would change the narrative about women. Mbah said: “The Gusty Women Network seeks to change this narrative by creating a vibrant, supportive community where mentorship is the catalyst for transformation.
“To the young women and aspiring leaders here today, I say: This is your moment. Your era to bloom. Embrace the mentorship opportunities offered through this network. Seek boldly, learn eagerly, and grow confidently. Your talents are gifts, and with the right support, your impact will be boundless”.
The First Lady also had a few words of advice for the mentors, professionals, community leaders, and trailblazers, among others, who participated in the event. “Your role in nurturing the next generation is invaluable,” she remarked.
According to the First Lady, “We envision a future where Enugu state stands tall as a model of women’s empowerment – where our women are entrepreneurs innovations, policy and change makers shaping the social are entrepreneurs innovators, policy and change makers shaping the social, economic, and political landscape. This vision begins today.”
In her speech, the founder of GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative, Mrs Rachel Edeh, gave more explanation on the metaphor of the desert and the flower – ‘Desert Flower’ campaign. She said, “Although flowers do not grow in the desert,” but “We need our women to bloom.”
Edeh urged women to write their own stories, stressing that even though “there are challenges in life, people should get up when they fall.”
“This is your era to bloom. You have the right to rewrite your story,” restated Edeh as she urged people not to be discouraged by challenges they face, but they should get up when they fall and re-strategize. “This is your era to bloom. You have the right to rewrite your story,” she reiterated.
Mrs. Rachael Edeh (L) and Mrs. Chidinma Egeonu
Edeh said GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative was established four years ago to inspire women and youth to discover themselves and be empowered.
In her speech on sustainability and development, the President/Founder Joy Onyesoh Foundation, Prof Joy Onyesoh, encouraged women to “develop themselves, be transparent, and accountable.”
Prof. Onyesoh advised women to work less and gain more. “Think of what you will do less and gain more. 20% of your efforts give you 80% of success.”
She pleaded for collaboration, visionary leadership, and structured mentorship, urging people to leave a legacy. For people who were not yet established, she advised them to look for sponsorship for those who want collaboration, she advised them to think of the value they could bring to the table.
On his part, a male motivational Speaker, Chinedu Ifecheluobi, urged women to realise their potential and follow people who can groom them to be better. The event featured the presentation of “Desert Flower” documentary, which showcased some Nigerian women of substance whose legacies could inspire and fire the imagination of other women who are seeking guidance.
