RELEVANCE OF AUGUST MEETING TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIETY EXAMINED

August meeting is a yearly gathering of Igbo women from far and near to their matrimonial villages.

During the period, they meet with their rural-based colleagues to forge a common front for development.

The Mothers’ Congresses were originally geared towards self-help and community development.

In recent times however, they have delved into conflict-management, peace building and human capital development in rural societies.

A clergy wife, Mrs. Chinwe Ibeagha emphasized that the women also devote attention to church growth and development.

Also in the Methodist Church of Agbani, the wife of a Clergy, Ezinne Sussan Isaac explained that the meeting which was held both at the church and town levels afforded opportunities to teach the women moral values and their roles in nation-building.

For Mrs. Amuche Okafor from Ire village, Obosi ,Anambra State, women who absented themselves from the meeting without cogent reasons paid fines and ensured they cleared their dues before the meeting commenced.

Other women interviewed, Mrs. Chinelo Eneze and Lolo Amaka Okonkwo explained that the August meeting was usually a plus for women as they learnt a lot from health talks and moral instructions.

How do the men cope and give support to their wives during August meeting, a politician, Prince Chris Amalu of Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State said it was challenging but enjoined men to support their wives to enable them actualize the aim of the conference.

The Clergy, Traditional rulers and Presidents-General of Town Unions in different communities testified of the impact of August meetings on community development.

IFEOMA AMUTA