By Ebele Okoye
For Ify Obinabo, leaving office does not mean leaving behind the people she fought for.
That message came through strongly in Awka when the former Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare addressed journalists during an emotional farewell interaction that blended gratitude, reflection and determination.
Obinabo spoke passionately about her years in office, insisting that her commitment to women, children and vulnerable people would continue outside government circles.
According to her, the journey of defending the weak and speaking for the voiceless cannot end with the loss of an official title.
She described her years in office as deeply personal and emotionally rewarding, saying the role gave her the rare privilege of standing beside families and individuals going through pain and hardship.
The former commissioner explained that helping vulnerable people across the state became more than official duty. She said it turned into a lifelong mission rooted in compassion and humanity.
With emotion in her voice, she recalled how the office allowed her to amplify ignored voices and restore dignity to many struggling people.
Obinabo also used the occasion to appreciate the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for the confidence he placed in her administration.
She thanked the governor for appointing her during what she described as an important period in the state’s development journey.
According to her, the political will and encouragement she received from Soludo gave her the strength to implement several welfare-related programmes.
She noted that support from leadership remains essential for any commissioner seeking to make meaningful impact in public office.
Political observers present during the briefing said Obinabo’s tenure was strongly associated with social advocacy, especially in the areas of child protection, women empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.
Her farewell speech also attracted commendation from the International Human Rights Observatory Africa.
The organisation praised her stewardship and described her years in office as impactful and compassionate.
In a statement signed by Ambassador Chimbo Obieze, the group commended Obinabo for her dedication to advancing the welfare and protection of women and children across Anambra State.
It stated that her interventions helped improve the lives of many vulnerable people while promoting fairness and social inclusion.
The organisation further described her leadership style as humane and inspiring, expressing hope that her experience and passion would continue to influence future generations of leaders.
But perhaps the most powerful moment of the event came when Obinabo addressed speculation about her future.
Rather than sounding defeated or exhausted, she spoke with renewed energy and confidence.
She openly declared that her departure from office was simply a transition into another chapter of service.
According to her, true service to humanity is not tied to government appointments alone.
She assured supporters that her advocacy for justice, equity and human dignity would continue on another platform.
The former commissioner stressed that she remained fully committed to defending vulnerable people and lending her voice to the oppressed whenever necessary.
Obinabo also took time to congratulate Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, who is expected to take over leadership of the ministry.
She encouraged the incoming commissioner to sustain existing programmes while pursuing fresh ideas capable of improving the lives of women and children.
According to her, the ministry remains a critical institution for social protection and family support in the state.
As the briefing gradually drew to a close, emotions continued to rise among supporters and observers present at the venue.
Obinabo ended her speech with a message filled with hope and reassurance.
She appealed to vulnerable citizens not to give up faith in a better future.
Promising to remain active in humanitarian causes, she said her passion for service remains stronger than ever.
Then came the final declaration that summed up both her philosophy and legacy in office — leadership with purpose and service with compassion.
