By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation, NNIIF, a socio-cultural group comprising accomplished Igbo women or women married to Igbo spouse, has announced its 2024 annual conference, scheduled for December 3 at the Sandralia Hotel, in Abuja.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the foundation, Nnedinso Ogaziechi, explained that the theme for this year’s conference, “Driving Transformation through Value Re-orientation, Inclusive Leadership and Sustainability,” reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering unity, promoting shared values, and advancing development in Nigeria.
Ogaziechi noted that the event will be chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, with His Royal Highness Khalifa Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, serving as Father of the Day. Dame Timi Agary will serve as Mother of the Day. She highlighted an impressive lineup of speakers, including Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, H.E. Dave Umahi, H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and H.E. Erelu Olabisi Adeleye-Fayemi, among others.
Additionally, the foundation’s Founder and President General, Iyom Josephine Anenih, mni, a renowned gender advocate and former Minister of Women Affairs, emphasized that the conference offers a platform for inclusive dialogue on pressing national issues.
Anenih stated that the foundation, which was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, embodies the spirit of meaningful conversations (Nkata) as a tool for unity and development, inspired by the African proverb, “No one can clap with one hand.”
Reflecting on the organization’s milestones, Ogaziechi noted that previous conferences held in Lagos and Enugu in 2022 and 2023, respectively, successfully addressed regional concerns.
She explained that this year’s decision to host the event in Abuja underscores the importance of taking the conversation to a national stage, given the urgency of addressing the erosion of shared values and the need for a transformative agenda.
Ogaziechi also expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian media for their unwavering support, stating that the partnership has been instrumental in amplifying the foundation’s vision of fostering development through dialogue. She further noted that the NNIIF is driven by the belief that women possess the inherent qualities necessary to resolve conflicts and create sustainable solutions without resorting to violence.
Therefore, the conference promises to be a crucial event for national introspection, with participants from diverse sectors converging to deliberate on actionable strategies for national transformation.
Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation remains dedicated to leveraging its platform for fostering unity and driving development in Nigeria and the South East.