PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct nPDP, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has congratulated former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his wife, H.E. Dame Judith Amaechi, on their 32nd wedding anniversary, describing their union as a shining example of love, resilience and godly family values.
In a goodwill message issued in Port Harcourt, Chief Eze said the couple represents a rare model of partnership built on mutual respect, spiritual grounding and shared commitment to raising responsible children. He noted that in a society struggling with declining moral values, the Amaechis have shown what a stable and disciplined home can produce.
Eze praised the former Minister for nurturing a home anchored on faith and purpose, but stressed that much of the family’s strength can be traced to the influence, character and sacrifices of his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi. He described her as the quiet engine behind her husband’s public life, offering spiritual, emotional and strategic support through every phase of his political career.
According to him, it is impossible to recount Amaechi’s national impact—whether as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor, or Minister—without recognising the steadfast role played by his wife throughout the journey. He said Dame Judith’s wisdom and devotion helped sustain the family through years of political battles, betrayals and moments of adversity.
Eze captured Dame Judith as a true embodiment of the biblical virtuous woman, noting her humility, strength, compassion and devotion to service. He said her lifestyle and influence align with the virtues celebrated in Proverbs 31, describing her as a woman whose values radiate through the character of her husband and children.
The APC chieftain also emphasised her extraordinary contributions to public service through the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), which she founded in 2008. The NGO, he noted, remains one of her greatest legacies, touching lives in practical and measurable ways across Rivers State and beyond.
Through ESI, Dame Judith pioneered programmes in early-child development, maternal health, poverty alleviation and youth empowerment. The organisation established 85 tuition-free nursery schools in rural communities, ensuring thousands of children accessed quality foundational education. It also launched the “Lady Cabbies” women’s taxi scheme, a model that empowered hundreds of women to earn sustainable income through transportation.
Eze recalled that ESI’s vocational, entrepreneurial and ICT training initiatives empowered more than 3,000 beneficiaries, turning vulnerable women and young people into productive contributors to the economy. He added that Dame Judith’s passion for widows and survivors of abuse earned her national recognition, as she consistently advocated the reform of harmful customary practices affecting women.
Her humanitarian influence extended into healthcare. The former First Lady donated a mammogram machine to support early detection of breast cancer among women in Port Harcourt, and partnered with organisations such as UNICEF on maternal health campaigns and early-childhood development programmes.
Eze noted that Dame Judith’s leadership has attracted numerous honours, including the Fellowship Award of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, in recognition of her role in girl-child education and human development. In 2021, she was voted Woman of the Year in a global Leadership Excellence Awards poll endorsed by the African Union and the African Film Institute—outperforming other high-profile nominees.
Many prominent Nigerians, he noted, have paid glowing tributes to Dame Judith’s character and contributions. Prince Tonye Princewill described her as “the backbone of our leader and a mother to all,” while Hon. Onari Brown called her “a pillar whose joy is helping the needy.” Another Rivers leader, Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe, said her influence has shaped not only the Amaechi family but countless lives across Nigeria.
Eze stressed that through this virtuous and dedicated woman, the Amaechi family has been blessed with three brilliant children, Chikamkpa, Obinna and Lemchi—who reflect the values of their upbringing. He noted that the couple’s marriage continues to inspire Christian families across the country.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to celebrate the Amaechis not only for their political contributions but also for demonstrating what a responsible, value-driven family should look like. He said the couple’s journey—marked by perseverance, service and unwavering faith—remains a lesson in endurance and partnership.
Praying for their continued success, Eze asked God to grant the family more years of peace, good health and greater accomplishments. He said he remains grateful to God for the privilege of associating with the Amaechis, whom he described as a blessing to the nation.
“Happy 32nd wedding anniversary to H.E. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his beloved wife, H.E. Dame Judith Amaechi,” he wrote. “May your love continue to flourish with every sunrise. Congratulations.”
