By Jonathan Lois
The much-publicised summit of the Greater Igbo Forum (GIF) Worldwide, originally scheduled for October 9 and 10, 2024 in Abuja, has been postponed due to the upcoming burial of the President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
President GIF, Greater Igbo Forum, Lady Amb. Lois Jonathan, made this known in a statement in Abuja.
Jonathan said a new date, venue and time will be announced 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 Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu had before his sudden demise approved the hosting of the summit.
Jonathan said, “the National Planning Committee of the summit, after extensive deliberations on the crucial matter, unanimously resolved to shift the date of the summit after the burial of Chief Iwuanyanwu and some other great men and Women of Igbo extraction who are still in the Mortuary awaiting burials”
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”
The GIF President said new date will be announced after the burial of the late leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide.
“We shall have a reflection point of a one-stop Summit of years to come” she said.
She said the planned Summit is choreographed to address fundamental Issues of concern affecting the Igbo nation, especially insecurity problems bedevilling the region such as the illicit activities of Unknown gunmen, and Kidnapping.
“Others are 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 diasporas 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 nation – “Aku Rue Ulo” Supporting good governance and raising transformational Leaders in all Igbo Communities and diasporas,” Jonathan said.
