August Meeting Important Platform for the Development of Igboland– Rep. Onuigbo

A former Member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has described the annual August meeting held all over Igboland by women as a key contributor to the development of Igboland. Onuigbo stated this following his receipt of the distinguished award of “Ezi Enyi Uvoma” from the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU) Women Federated, during their 39th Annual August Meeting which took place on August 10, 2024, at the Olokoro Central School Field, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.

Onuigbo, who represents the South East on the Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) said that in addition to the razzmatazz of August meetings, the occasion affords women, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, the opportunity to come together, make plans and contribute to the socio-economic development and growth of their communities. This is evident in the many infrastructural projects which Igbo women use the occasion of the August meeting to raise funding for, and ultimately execute.

A veteran of sorts, having been a constant participant at the August meetings of his community women for about twenty-five years, the former National Lawmaker described the annual meetings as an extension of the famed Igbo Unions, which brings together women for social interactions, bonding, prayers for their communities, interventions on critical community issues, and the execution of developmental projects.

Echoing Onuigbo’s views, the President General of OCDU Women Federated, Deaconess Oluchi Atu, said the meetings provide a platform to not only honour deserving individuals, but also an opportunity for women at home and abroad to come together and find solutions to current issues facing their communities.

Onuigbo urged Igbo women to never relent in their efforts to use this unique platform to build harmony, engender social cohesion, and continue to support Igbo men in their drive for the all-round development of Igboland.

Every year, Igbo women from all over the world travel to their communities to hold their annual August meetings. These meetings serve as congresses where important decisions are taken, and intercessions made for the growth of their communities.