…As Diwe calls for sustenance of Igbo language
By Ikenna Orioha
Igbo women have been described as pillars of strength, resilience and wisdom in Igbo society, hence their record of significant success in Igbo land.
This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, Chief Summers Nwokie (Ikukuoma Mbaise), in an address, during the Grand Inauguration Ceremony of the Local Organizing Committee for Pan Igbo Women International Conference, held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, recently.
Nwokie explained that the Igbo woman is an embodiment of rich knowledge, experiences and respect, saying such positivity helps them to impact significantly and meaningfully towards societal good, peace, social and economic prosperity.
“The Igbo woman has always been a pillar of strength, residence and wisdom in our society. The Pan-Igbo Women International Conference aims to provide a vibrant and inclusive platform to celebrate these contributions in all their diversity.
“The Igbo woman embodies a spectrum of experiences, from the rural market woman to the urban professional, from the traditional homemaker to the trailblazer entrepreneur. Each of these women contributes uniquely to our society and it is our duty to ensure that their stories are told, their challenges are addressed and their achievements are celebrated”, he added.
Nwokie who was the Chairman of the occasion, pointed out that despite the significant progress recorded by the Igbo women, they have continued to face barriers to Education, Economic Opportunities and Political Participation.
The humanitarian who was conferred with Grand Patron Award by Pan-Igbo Women International Conference due to his humanitarian services across Igbo Enclave, advised that “Cultural Norms that perpetuate gender discrimination must be critically examined and challenged. This Conference will be a forum for discussing these issues openly and developing actionable solutions that can be implemented at the community and policy levels”.
Nwokie highlighted that the “event marks a significant milestone in the history of Igbo women and our collective journey towards empowerment, equity and cultural renaissance. Today, we are not just launching a Committee, we are igniting a Movement to celebrate, uplift and address the multifaceted challenges facing Igbo women”.
He stressed that the “Pan-Igbo Women International Conference is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Voices, Contributions and Aspirations of Igbo women are recognized, respected and amplified, on both national and global stages towards fostering peace in the entire Igbo land”.
He heartily appreciated the Pan-Igbo Women International Conference for founding him worthy of the Honor, even as he encouraged them to keep faith in being caring mothers and submissive wives while projecting Igbo society positively, as well as speaking Igbo language to their children for sustainability.
Later, in an interview with journalists, Ikukuoma Mbaise urged politicians to lead with the fear of God with a view to improving goodness, peace, development, social and economic advancement of Igbo society.
Earlier, the former President General of Orluzurumee and a prominent figure, Chief Emeka Diwe, advised Igbos to sustain Igbo culture by speaking Igbo language always anywhere they be.
Thanking Dr. Summers Nwokie, Chief Emeka Diwe and other Igbo prominent sons and daughters for their concern for the good of Igbo society, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman of Pan-Igbo Women International Conference, Barr. Ijeoma Igboanusi, hinted that the group’s main objective is to promote the culture, course and goodness of Igbo society.
She encouraged the Igbo women to come out and speak in one voice while playing their roles as mothers, wives, sisters and aunties to dignify and edify Igbo land for enhanced development, peace and goodness.
