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By Chinelo Obogo, Lagos
Igbo women across the world under the umbrella of Igbo Women Movement Worldwide (IWMW) at the weekend, gathered Igbo from various cities of the world together in Paris, the capital of France, to raise funds for the building of a skills acquisition centre to be located in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The centre, according to IWMW, will be used for the training of less privileged youths in the South East in order to equip them with skills and thus provide them with a source of livelihood. The fundraiser was the culmination of a two-day event marking the 3rd anniversary of IWMW with the theme “A Prosperous Alaigbo Today and Tomorrow”.
The two-day event featured a five-star dinner cruise for members of IWMW and their families and partners in progress as well as a church thanksgiving service.
The fundraiser, chaired by Chief Godwin Chukwuemeka Ogbonnaya (Ohamadike Uzuakoli/Anaedo), had in attendance a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Lady Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Obi Okoli Ojeluigboozi, Dr. Kate Anolue, Rev. Felicia Stephen-Okoye, Nze Chinedu Nwosu, Nze Aloy Oluigbo, among others.
The event was also an oppourtunity for IWMW to give awards to prominent sons and daughters of Igboland who have been partners in progress.
Giving the report of IWMW since inception, the Executive Director, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyia, stated that the body has empowered more than 100 widows to start up small-scale businesses, given free medical treatment to more than 30 children in various general hospitals in the South East and partnered with the likes of Lord Zeus 101 to help with the medical expenses of women abandoned in hospitals in Imo State.
Dr. Onyia also said the organisation constructed and gifted a water borehole to Ndiorie Ariam Osigwe Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State in 2021 and rallied around the people of Ogbaru Local Government Area displaced by flood and supported them with food and other household items to help alleviate their suffering.
In her welcome speech earlier, the leader of IWMW, Dame Chinwe Okoroigwe, reiterated the organisation’s aims to change the current narrative of the Igbo nation, leveraging on the capacity of Igbo women globally. She also thanked the guests and members for travelling all the way to grace the occasion and give support to IWMW’s charity project and enjoined them to always see charity as a tool for community development.
Igbo Women Movement Worldwide was formed in 2020 but was officially inaugurated in Paris, France on 28 August 2021. The organisation has its headquarters in Paris, France, with chapters worldwide including the UK and Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Membership is open to all Igbo women aged 18 years and above.
