By Iheanyi Enwerem
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, has urged members of the Home Economics Professional Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) to leverage technology in driving innovation and sustainable development within their profession. She made this call on Wednesday while declaring open the 15th Annual National Conference of HEPAN at the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), Owerri.
In a press release made available to IKoro Okigwe signed by the Dr. Charles Uzopuo, Chief Press Secretary to the Office of Deputy Governor, Dr. Ekomaru who represented the Governor at the occasion described the conference theme, “Tech Enabled Home Economics: A National Strategy for Empowerment and Sustainable Development,” as timely and reflective of global trends. She highlighted the state government’s commitment to digital literacy, women and youth empowerment, tech-driven agricultural innovation, and sustainable development practices aimed at improving livelihoods and economic resilience.
The Deputy Governor, who is a professional member of HEPAN, emphasized that Home Economics goes beyond domestic skills, serving as a foundation for innovation, productivity, and national growth. She challenged practitioners to embrace technology in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship, noting that the tech-enabled approach would “modernize traditional knowledge and elevate the value of home economics in national development.”
Dr. Ekomaru further called on HEPAN to advocate for policies that integrate technology into educational curricula and foster partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. She reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with HEPAN in building technologically inspired, productive, and sustainable homes across Imo State.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of AIFUE, Prof. Stella Lemchi, commended the Deputy Governor for her commitment to education and academic research, while the National President of HEPAN, Prof. Nkeiru Meludu, lamented the declining recognition of Home Economics in schools. The event also featured goodwill messages, a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, and a presentation of a portrait to Her Excellency by the association.