By Amos Okioma
The first female permanent Secretary from Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Gladys Aghogho Puegeren (nee Egoh), has been honoured among other illustrious personalities including political appointees by the Uwheru Development Union in conjunction with the palace of Odion r’Ode of Uwheru kingdom, HRM King Agbaovwe Afugbeya Oyise 11.
The princess, who was appointed by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, thanked the Delta State governor for the appointment and the elevation to the highest echelon of the Civil Service career.
Responding to the award, Princess Gladys Puegeren said that she dedicated it to the girl-child, stressing that like any other young girl born and bred in Uwheru kingdom, an agrarian community, she assisted her parents in household shores as well as farming and fishing.
She enjoined ladies to emulate her and others who were able to conquer all odds to go to schools and eventually become role models, who mentored others.
According to Puegeren, who is the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Oil and Gas, education remained the fulcrum of man’s emancipation and key which opens doors to success in life.
She also implored Uwheru girls that are not privileged to go to school to go into vocational trainings and skills acquisition such as fashion designs, hair dressing, make – up.
“For instance, before l came to this occasion a lady did the make up and she was paid for her services. “Once a lady has trade and educated she cannot be a liability, but a helpmate to the husband,” she said.
Princess Gladys Gladys Puegeren was born on May 5, 1965 to the Royal family of the late HRH lyowho Hivite Egoh, the late Odion r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom and Queen Ruth Egoh (Nee Yavbieri ) both of Delta State.
She attended UDU Primary School, Uwheru; and Our Lady’s High School, Effurun and later Uwheru Grammar School where she finished as the best student in her set.
She thereafter proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka, where she bagged BA (Ed ) Honors Degree in English Education and later obtained a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the same university.