Igbo Apex Sociocultural Women Group Partners FAN Foundation, Set to Host "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023" in Enugu, tagged; Women: A Unifying Force In Peace Building.

Established by Nigeria's former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih mni FCN, the apex Sociocultural Igbo Women and Peace Advocacy Group known as Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII) recently visited the FAN Foundation to initiate partnership discussions aimed at improving the well-being of Igbo women in Nigeria and abroad, while influencing a positive change the South East for unity, peace, security and restoration of cultural and social norms in the Igbo society.

Dr. Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi mni, the founder and president of FAN Foundation, along with the organization's management team, warmly welcomed the delegation in Enugu on Friday.

Iyom emphasized the pivotal role of women as the custodians of culture and values, responsible for raising and nurturing children. She stressed the importance of women speaking up at this critical juncture, as leaving our homeland and raising our children in diaspora could result in them losing touch with their roots and turning into foreigners. She drew parallels with the experiences of Black Americans who feel a sense of emptiness due to their disconnection from their heritage.

Iyom highlighted the inevitable challenges of settler-indigene conflicts if the trend of migration to foreign lands continues.Iyom Josephine Anenih, in her address, emphasized that "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo" is aligning with respected and influential women and stakeholders in the Igbo region to unite in the effort to rebuild the currently troubled South East, which is grappling with issues of insecurity, violence, and betrayal.

She pointed out that if we neglect and abandon our land, foreigners may seize control, making it difficult for us to reclaim it when we return. The journey towards this goal begins with public engagement, commencing with the upcoming "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023 in Enugu," scheduled for October 24th to 26th, 2023, simultaneously in Enugu and Ebonyi State.

To avert this impending crisis, she urged immediate action, emphasizing that "Nkata" stands for communication, dialogue, and assessment. The Enugu program is just the beginning of grassroots dialogue.

Addressing the economic challenges caused by the abandonment of our homelands, Iyom pointed out that the situation in the South East goes against natural law. She called on Igbo women to leverage their innate capabilities and not remain silent, as complacency will perpetuate the issues at hand. She emphasized the role of gatekeepers in every land and stressed the importance of consulting with them, concluding with a reminder that divine judgment awaits those who fail to act.

Responding to the delegation, the Founder and President of FAN Foundation, Dr. Mrs Favour Ugwuanyi mni, expressed her deep gratitude and reiterated her team's full readiness to collaborate with the leadership of Iyom Josephine Anenih's Igbo Sociocultural Women Group, "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo." She conveyed, "On behalf of FAN Foundation, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation from 'Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo.'"

 "It is an immense privilege to receive a visit from such a noble and highly respected women's group, led by a prominent figure whom I've longed to meet. Iyom Josephine Anenih mni is not only my distinguished senior mni, but also a role model and a mother figure to me. Today is not just remarkable; it is also a historical occasion. Iyom has accomplished much in her past role as the Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, more than two decades ago, achievements that we aspire to replicate today."

She further emphasized, "This meeting signifies more than a simple partnership; it symbolizes a united effort to realize the dreams of Igbo women. With the esteemed leadership of Iyom Josephine Anenih mni, the highly regarded 'Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII)' group, there's no doubt that we will achieve our shared objectives. Myself, Dr. Favour, and the entire management team of FAN Foundation, along with other women's groups under my care, are fully committed to collaborating with Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo. Henceforth, 'Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo' becomes our collective endeavor."

Dr. Favour concluded with a heartfelt appreciation, stating, "I want to sincerely thank Iyom Josephine Anenih mni for recognizing me as a worthy partner, and I extend my gratitude to all the exceptional women she has surrounded herself with in this project."

The Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023, themed "Women - A Unifying Force in Peace Building," is a pivotal three-day event focused on discussions about the restoration of Igbo Cultural Values, Security, and Peace.Iyom Josephine Anenih, a renowned figure, has a background in education and law and is a fervent advocate for women's rights, a dedicated politician, and an exceptional legal professional. With over four decades of experience in various fields, including law, humanitarian work, women's and gender affairs, and politics, she has left a significant mark. She has held positions such as Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and is currently the Chairperson of the Women Interest Group Forum of the African Bar Association (AFBA). She is also the Founder/Chairperson of the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation, Co-Founder/President of the Women Foundation of Nigeria (WFN), and Founder/President of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII).

During the meeting, Dr. Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi, the Founder and President of FAN Foundation, expressed her gratitude and eagerness to collaborate with Iyom Josephine Anenih's leadership of the Igbo Sociocultural Women Group, "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo." She emphasized the importance of this partnership and welcomed the noble and highly respected women's group, praising Iyom Josephine Anenih for her accomplishments in advancing women's rights and development.

Other members of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo present at the meeting included Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Akamnonu, Lady Ngozi Igbonekwu, Mrs. Akuabata Ezeh, Osanyem Anenih, and many others who share a common commitment to empowering Igbo women.

Iyom Josephine Anenih's remarkable contributions and the upcoming Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023 underscore the importance of women's roles in fostering unity, cultural preservation, security, and peace within the Igbo community.