***Aneni highlights mission of organization
The Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation (NNIIF), a socio-cultural organization of accomplished Igbo women, has announced plans for its 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled to take place on December 3rd at the Sandralia Hotel, Abuja.
With the theme “Driving Transformation through Value Re-orientation, Inclusive Leadership and Sustainability,” the conference aims to address critical national issues, fostering dialogue that promotes unity and sustainable development.
Speaking at a pre-event virtual press briefing, the National Publicity Secretary of NNIIF, Nnedinso Ogaziechi, emphasized the importance of conversations in resolving conflicts and driving national progress.
Ogaziechi highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the foundation’s mission to champion value re-orientation, encourage inclusive leadership, and propose strategies for sustainability.
She further commended the Nigerian media for its unwavering support, describing journalists as pivotal partners in amplifying the foundation’s objectives.
According to her, the foundation believes that women, with their problem-solving instincts, are uniquely positioned to drive positive change. “We need more conversations to exchange ideas, strengthen national bonds, and foster functional productivity that will aid development,” Ogaziechi stated.
According to her, NNIIF has successfully hosted previous conferences in Lagos and Enugu, with the Abuja event intended to elevate its advocacy to a national stage.
The organization was
Founded in 2020 by Iyom Josephine Anenih, a former Minister of Women Affairs, NNIIF serves as a platform for accomplished Igbo women to engage in nation-building.
The foundation’s motto, “Partnering for Development,” underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration between men and women for societal progress.
Founder of the organization, Josephine Anenih, in her address, shed light on the origins and mission of the organization Nkata Ndi Nyo Igbo, which translates to The Conversation of Igbo Women. She shared that the initiative emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time when many people were confined to their homes due to lockdowns. While this period saw an alarming rise in domestic violence, it also ignited deep reflections among women, especially within the Igbo community.
Anenih explained that the lockdown allowed women to connect virtually, which led to a powerful conversation about the challenges they faced—not only as women but as members of the Igbo community and citizens of Nigeria.
“Many of the women involved were accomplished professionals, including judges, doctors, and engineers, who realized that despite their individual successes, they lacked a unified voice.
“This realization sparked the idea to create a collective platform for Igbo women to engage actively in the development of their society.
“The organization, Nkata Ndi Nyo Igbo, was founded with the goal of providing a space for Igbo women—whether born into Igbo culture or married into it—to come together, voice their concerns, and collaborate with other groups toward societal growth.
Anenih emphasized that the initiative aims to be more than just a regional movement, as it is committed to addressing broader issues like insecurity in the Southeast and offering constructive solutions to both the government and other stakeholders.
Anenih concluded by stating that the organization’s vision extends beyond the Southeast to encompass the entire nation, as they work towards fostering peace, security, and development across Nigeria.
The conference will feature distinguished guests, including
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as the Chairman,
HRH Khalifa Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano will be the father of the Day, Dame Timi Agary will be the mother of the day.
Speakers expected to deliver keynote addresses include, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, former Governors of Imo and Ebonyi States H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha and H.E. Dave Umahi respectively.
Others are; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, H.E. Labaran Maku, Dr. Stella Iwuagwu, H.E. Erelu Olabisi Adeleye-Fayemi and Dame May Ikokwu.
The event will bring together thought leaders and policymakers to address pressing challenges, particularly the loss of shared values and the need for inclusive leadership.