Theresa Nworah: Anambra’s First Female Councillor Honoured

Report: By Chukwuka Ugokwe

Eduted with analysis by Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige  | sylviangige.com 

[Anambra September 30, 2026]

The story of women breaking political and social barriers has received a global spotlight with the unveiling of the second edition of Emptistory of Esteemed Women, a compendium celebrating women whose lives and achievements have made a lasting impact.

The unveiling took place in the United States as part of activities around the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and the First Ladies Becoming High-Level Forum. Among the women honoured is the late Hon. Mrs. Theresa Uduego Nworah, a pioneering political leader, educator and advocate for women’s empowerment from the Omabala region of Anambra State.
Mrs. Nworah made history in the mid-1980s when she became the first elected female councillor in the entire Omabala area, representing Umunya at Otuocha, the headquarters of the council area.At a time when women were largely excluded from political leadership, she contested as an independent candidate in a non-party election and defeated male opponents.

Her bold political breakthrough earned her the nickname “Iron Lady.”
The significance of her achievement has now been given international recognition, with Mrs. Nworah’s image featured prominently on the front cover of the second edition of Emptistory of Esteemed Women.

One of the editors, Prof. Ambassador Adaeze JUNi Menakaya, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation for Africa to the United Nations, described Mrs. Nworah as a mentor whose influence extended beyond politics.

Prof. Menakaya said the late Mrs. Nworah personally inspired and supported her in ways that contributed to her academic advancement.
Although she was a Grade Two teacher, Mrs. Nworah, according to Prof. Menakaya, also made important contributions to education in the Omabala area, including efforts towards the establishment of commercial schools and vocational training centres.

The second edition features about five women from different countries whose stories reflect courage, service, leadership and achievement.
The first edition of Emptistory of Esteemed Women was published in 2024, while the third edition is scheduled for publication in 2028.

——-

Sylvia’s Take
Women like Theresa Nworah remind us that leadership did not begin with social media, political appointments or today’s conversations about inclusion.
Some women walked into rooms where they were not expected to be, competed when the odds were against them and opened doors that others later walked through.

For Anambra, the story of a woman becoming the first elected female councillor in an entire region decades ago is more than a historical footnote. It is a reminder that women have always been part of the political story—even when their contributions were not given the attention they deserved.
And perhaps the most important lesson is this: when we document women’s stories, we give the next generation something to stand on.
Theresa Nworah’s story now travels beyond Omabala. It has found a place in a global compendium—and that matters.

Sylvis Tochukwu-Ngige  Founder www.sylviangige.com  | Where women’s power meets real life 

Links:

1. https://sylviangige.com/tag/theresa-nworah/

2. https://sylviangige.com/tag/omabala-women/

3. https://sylviangige.com/tag/anambra-women-in-politics/

4. https://sylviangige.com/tag/emptistory-of-esteemed-women

/