By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
In an attempt to proffer solutions to the myriad problems bedevilling the country, Igbo women, under the auspices of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII), have embarked on shuttle diplomacy.
Over the weekend, a delegation of the socio-cultural group, led by its President General, Iyom Josephine
Anenih, paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
A statement by the group’s spokesperson, Nnedinso Ogaziechi, said the visit was in furtherance of its motto, “Partnering for Development.”
Iyom Anenih told Obasanjo that the women came together to intervene in development efforts in not just the South East region but the entire country because “recent events in the region and the nation have been of concern to the womenfolk.”
Anenih said socio-economic issues, and the increasing levels of insecurity have exponentially increased the burdens for everyone, especially women.
She recounted the history of shared leadership structure in Igboland and opined that since attempt by men to monopolise leadership in Nigeria seems not to be working, it was high time women were brought to the leadership table.
She recalled that traditionally, women were always
called in in times of crisis in Igboland and other nations because “while men weaponize power, women rebuild and nurture.”
Anenih said the group visited the former President because “traditionally, Nkata in Igbo means conversation/dialogue and it signals the beginning of partnerships in problem-solving and NNII has great confidence that given the status of Chief Obasanjo nationally and globally, his advice and other
forms of interventions that he is globally known for can help the conversation and a country in dire stress.”
The group recalled Obasanjo’s support for women during his presidency and how he made profound impact by appointing qualified women into his cabinet and how most of those women have gone on to be great achievers nationally and at the global stage.
“Today, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the DG of WTO, Amina Mohammed is Assistant UN Secretary General, Dora Akunyili showed the global community that
integrity is still a human virtue not in short supply in Nigerians in public office,” Anenih said.
Obasanjo thanked the group for coming together saying he had always believed in the strength and loyalty of women more than men especially in political development.
He said he was happy that the group is led by a committed feminist who was his Special Adviser on Women Affairs and whose passion for women and national development is well known.
Obasanjo advised the group not to give up but to equally sell the beautiful idea of partnering for development to women in other regions of the country because, “When women come together, good things happen because they are often more patriotic and more family-oriented than men.”
“When a woman struggles to succeed in any
endevour, it is always to take care of everyone including the men that possibly caused the problems.”
The former President said he believes development only happens in nations that are secure and where justice prevails and admonished every Nigerian to work towards peace and security.
The President General of the Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo thanked the former President and told him that NNII was a child of circumstance because the women have taken their destiny in their own hands given the fact
that most Igbo socio-cultural groups like the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are still perceived as male ‘only’ groups.
Anenih said though Ohanaeze now has a woman
Vice President General and National Treasurer, the group still maintains the ‘women and youth wings’ which in her view still makes women and youths nominal members not really integrated into the
decision making processes.
As a result, she said, “Women must use their own voice and as such, members of NNII decided to come together to see how they can partner with our men, other individuals, corporate bodies and agencies for development.”
