The apex Igbo sociocultural women group, Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII), is poised to host its annual "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023" in Enugu, Nigeria. The 2023 edition is themed "Women - A Unifying Force In Peace Building."
Scheduled for the 24th of October 2023, this historic event will see a congregation of prominent Igbo leaders, intellectuals, and women advocates gathering to address pressing issues facing the South East region of Nigeria. The list of esteemed speakers and special guests at the conference includes luminaries such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Iyom Josephine Anenih mni, Sen Folashade Bent, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, H.E Bianca Ojukwu, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzo, Prof Chinwe Obaji, Prof Kenneth Amaeshi, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, and various other influential figures in the Igbo community.
Founded by Nigeria's former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih mni FCN, Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII) stands as a pivotal sociocultural Igbo Women and Peace Advocacy Group. Their mission is clear: to uplift the status of Igbo women in Nigeria and beyond, while also driving positive change in the South East region, focusing on unity, peace, security, and the restoration of cultural and social norms within Igbo society.
In her passionate address, Iyom Josephine Anenih underlined the need for unity among influential women and stakeholders in the Igbo region. She stressed the urgency of addressing the region's current challenges, such as insecurity, violence, and betrayal. She warned against the dangers of abandoning their homeland, as it might result in foreign interests gaining control, making it difficult to reclaim the land in the future.
Iyom Josephine Anenih highlighted the vital role of women as custodians of culture and values, particularly in the upbringing of children. She emphasized the importance of women's voices in preserving the Igbo heritage, preventing the potential loss of cultural identity that can occur when raising children abroad. She likened this situation to the experiences of Black Americans, who often feel disconnected from their roots.
She expressed her concern about settler-indigene conflicts and the economic challenges that stem from the abandonment of the Igbo homeland. Iyom urged Igbo women to leverage their unique capabilities and actively engage in addressing these issues. She stressed that the "Nkata" in "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo" symbolizes communication, dialogue, and assessment, which are essential for initiating positive change.
The "Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Conference 2023" in Enugu is viewed as a pivotal starting point for grassroots dialogue and action to tackle the pressing issues in the South East. With influential leaders and women of purpose coming together, the event promises to be a catalyst for change, uniting Igbo women as a formidable force for peace, unity, and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
