By Aaron Ossai
Group operating under the aegis of Greater Igbo Forum, GIF Worldwide has postponed its planned Summit originally scheduled for October 9 and 10 this year in honour of late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu whose burial is scheduled to hold on November 1.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the President of the Greater Igbo Forum, Ambassador Lois Jonathan said that a new date, venue and time will be communicated in due course.
According to her, the decision to postpone the Summit was made by the National Planning Committee of the event, following calls and advice from prominent Igbo individuals in Nigeria and the Diaspora, who suggested that the Summit be rescheduled in reverence of late Chief Iwuanyanwu.
It would be recalled that late Chief Iwuanyanwu had before his sudden demise approved the hosting of the Summit.
“The National Planning Committee of the Summit, after extensive deliberations on the matter, unanimously resolved to shift its date until after the burial of Chief Iwuanyanwu and some other great men and women of Igbo extraction who are yet to be buried”, she explained.
The summit of the Greater Igbo Forum Worldwide the statement indicated, “aims to attract the participation of all Igbo stakeholders, including governors, ministers, National Assembly members, diplomats, traditional rulers, chief executive officers, high-calibre individuals, business gurus, and government officials.”
She said the planned Summit is choreographed to address fundamental Issues of concern affecting the Igbo nation, especially insecurity problems bedeviling the region such as the illicit activities of unknown gunmen and kidnapping for ransom.
“Others are alleged Police extortions in the Southeast, Rape of our women, hatred of Igbos in high and low places including other perceived vices and treatment meted against the Igbos in Nigeria and the Diaspora by fellow Nigerians.
“Greater Igbo Forum Worldwide is a non-governmental non-political organization founded and dedicated to promoting Igbo cultural heritage and values, fostering brevity and cooperation amongst Igbo nation/people worldwide.
“The GIF worldwide shall remain faithful and committed to a focused leadership, we will continue to encourage entrepreneurship, business innovations and economic development of the nation – “Aku Rue Ulo” Supporting good governance and raising transformational leaders in all Igbo communities and in the Diaspora”, she said.