A new chapter has opened for the Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM), Lagos Metropolitan Council, as Lady Martha Ihuoma Ilugbekhai was elected Metropolitan President on February 21, 2026—remarkably on her wedding anniversary. A seasoned administrator and faith-based leader, Lady Ilugbekhai brings over two decades of committed service, having joined LSM in 2001. Her steady rise—from Sub-Council Volunteer to Zonal Leader, President of Ajah Sub-Council, and Metropolitan Vice President— reflects humility, discipline, and spiritual depth.
Armed with a Postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Abia State University, Uturu, she has pledged to anchor her presidency on faith, unity, service, and effective administration. In her acceptance speech, she declared: “It is with great humility and immense gratitude that I stand before you… I promise by God’s grace to carry this responsibility with dedication and love.” She emphasised collaboration with the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, strengthening spiritual growth, promoting disciplined governance, and empowering members for greater service to the Church and society. “Let us be a beacon of hope and a model of faith in action,” she charged. Lady Ilugbekhai succeeds Lady Juliet Damian-Osuigwe, who served meritoriously from February 19, 2022 to February 21, 2026.
A retired banking professional turned renowned caterer and philanthropist, Damian-Osuigwe deepened LSM’s humanitarian footprint across 32 Sub-Councils and about 81 zones. Under her leadership, the Metro Council expanded food aid, healthcare outreach, prison support, and educational interventions, earning the prestigious Catholic Herald Centenary Humanitarian Award alongside the Knights. She also advanced the Metro Rehabilitation Project, erecting a grotto at the site now used as a Mass Centre in Bogije, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting the Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF) scholarships in an extraordinary way.
Ilugbekhai now steps into office on a foundation solidly laid by her predecessors — Lady Victoria Uzoigwe (2007–2013), Lady Monica Eigbe (2013–2019), Lady (Dr.) Ify Mbelede (2019–2022), and Lady Juliet Damian-Osuigwe (2022–2026) — whose collective leadership shaped the spiritual, administrative, and humanitarian character of the Lagos Metro. At the off-cycle elections, the Lagos Metropolitan Council further strengthened its executive bench with the emergence of Lady Lilian Ifeoma Mbama as Metro Vice President and Lady Esther Shote as Metro Treasurer. Their election completes the executive council team, working alongside officers whose tenure continues for more than a year, ensuring stability, continuity, and experienced leadership.
… Rolls out transformative Mission, Vision for LSM, Lagos Metro
In a bold declaration of faith-driven leadership, Lady Martha Ilugbekhai, Metro President of the Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM), Lagos Metropolitan Council, has unveiled a far-reaching Mission and Vision Statement that sets an ambitious spiritual and administrative agenda for her tenure. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald, Lady Ilugbekhai outlined what she described as “a sacred responsibility to lead with faith, integrity, and purposeful service.” At the heart of her mission for the Ladies of St. Mulumba, Lagos Metropolitan Council, is an unwavering commitment to God and to the Order’s core values — Faith, Service, Unity, Love, and Charity. “I am called to lead with integrity of purpose and dedication to service,” she said. “Our programmes must not only inspire spiritual growth but also foster purposeful development among our members.” Lady Ilugbekhai emphasised that her administration will focus on implementing impactful initiatives that deepen the spiritual lives of members while strengthening collaboration with the Knights of St. Mulumba. According to her, synergy between the Ladies and the Knights remains vital to advancing the mission of the Order within the Church and society.
Her vision is equally expansive
She aims to build what she described as “a spiritually vibrant, united, and purpose-driven Council anchored on faith, service, and sound administration.” Central to this vision is transparent governance, disciplined leadership, and the empowerment of members for greater impact. Beyond programmes and policies, the Metro President is placing unity at the forefront of her agenda. She pledged to foster enduring harmony across all Sub-Councils within the Lagos Metropolitan Council, ensuring that no arm of the Order feels isolated or unheard. “Our legacy must be defined by integrity, compassion, excellence, and transformative leadership,” she affirmed.
Observers say the clarity of her mission and vision signals a deliberate shift towards structured governance and measurable impact, while remaining deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality. For many within the Lagos Metropolitan Council, Lady Ilugbekhai’s declarations represent more than words — they mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to faith in action and women-led transformation within the Order. As her administration unfolds, expectations are high that the Ladies of St. Mulumba in Lagos will not only strengthen internal unity but also emerge as a visible beacon of hope within the Church and the wider society.
