Good evening, distinguished guests, respected elders, Ndi Nze na Ozo, Lolos, friends, and my cherished sisters of the Igbo Women League. Nnọọ nu!
It is with profound joy and gratitude that I warmly welcome all of you to the Igbo Women League of Minnesota 2026 Mother’s Day Celebration.
Tonight is especially meaningful as we gather for our 32nd Mother’s Day celebration. This occasion is not only a time of joy and fellowship but also a time to reflect on the strength, love, sacrifice, and devotion that define motherhood and womanhood. It is a moment to honor the women who nurture families, preserve traditions, strengthen communities, and carry forward the values that hold us together.
Our theme this year, “Nurturing and Caring for Our Community”, speaks directly to the very heart of who we are as Igbo Women League (IWL), both in diaspora and at home. As women, mothers, sisters, and leaders, we continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our families, the advancement of our people, and the strengthening of our communities. The Igbo Women League has remained a custodian of culture, a guardian of moral values, a pillar of strength, and a bridge builder for generations to come. We are often the quiet force behind progress, the steady hands that hold families together, and the compassionate hearts that continue to serve even when no one is watching.
IWL has continued to nurture our community here in Minnesota and back home in Nigeria through meaningful service and impactful programs and projects. One of our proudest initiatives is the Youth Mentoring and Leadership Program for Children of African Descent (YMLP), which runs every summer from June through August. Through this program, we teach and promote our culture by passing down our language, dance, cooking, drumming, and other rich traditions to the younger generation. This effort helps our children remain rooted in their heritage while growing confidently in the society around them.
In addition, we continue to support Motherless Babies Homes in Nigeria each year by providing food, clothing, and other basic supplies. We also remain committed to educational empowerment through scholarships for underprivileged girls in Nigeria, supporting them from secondary school through university. These efforts reflect our belief that when we uplift one girl, one child, or one family, we uplift an entire community.
Tonight, as we celebrate motherhood, we also celebrate service. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate the enduring spirit of women who continue to give of themselves in love, in strength, and in sacrifice. We honor the mothers who came before us, the women beside us, and the
daughters coming after us. Their journeys, our journeys, are worthy of recognition and celebration.
To our guests and supporters, we are deeply honored by your presence tonight. Your presence here is a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together in unity. Igwe bụ ike! Indeed, togetherness is our strength.As we enjoy this evening’s celebration, as the Mother’s Day chair, my desire is to encourage us all to remember that gatherings like this are not only for joy and fellowship but also for purpose.
Your generous support helps us continue the charitable work of IWL and strengthens our ability to make a lasting impact both here and at home. Every contribution matters, and every act of support helps us continue this important mission. I thank you in advance for your generosity.
I would like to take this moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the members of my committee, Mrs. Anne Akwuba, Mrs. Ngozi Abakporo, Mrs. Adaobi Dike, Engr. Amrill Okonkwo, Mrs. Chidi Omeoga, Mrs. Nkechi Anyanwu, Mrs. Ogechi Nwokoro, Mrs. Emelda Okafor, Mrs. Oby Okoye, Ms. Pamela, and Dr. Nneka Agujiobi, and to every woman of the Igbo Women League of Minnesota, for your dedication, hard work, and many sacrifices in bringing this celebration to life. Your commitment, unity, and deep love for this organization continue to inspire me greatly. I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such strong, devoted, and exceptional women.
To our families, who support us behind the scenes and share in the demands of our service, thank you for your patience, understanding, and encouragement. Your love makes our work possible.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my beloved husband, Sir Gregory Nkwocha, for his unwavering love, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. To my dear children, Chiadika, Nnamdi, Udoka, and Chibuike, thank you for your love, understanding, and the joy you bring into my life. Your support and sacrifices have been a great source of inspiration to me, and I am deeply grateful to be blessed with such a wonderful family.
Finally, I give all glory and thanks to God Almighty for granting us the grace, health, and opportunity to be here tonight.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our beautiful mothers and women. May this evening be filled with joy, love, laughter, pride, and beautiful memories. May we continue to nurture and care for our community with strength, wisdom, and compassion.
Daalụ ndị nke m ji eme ọnụ. Ndi nne mama, Chukwu bu ike anyi.
