By Ifeanyi Okali
In recent years, the August Meeting has increasingly drawn criticism because of how some women choose to misuse it. As a journalist, I have heard different men lament about what their wives have turned the meeting into. While I will not generalize, the truth must be told: some women see the August Meeting as a free avenue to cheat, others use it as a stage to show off and intimidate fellow women, while a few form bad cliques that divide rather than unite.
Even more worrisome is the issue of fundraising. While raising money for community development is noble, in some places women now levy themselves and even their husbands heavily, yet where the money goes remains unclear. To make matters worse, unnecessary awards are sometimes introduced in the name of fundraising. Let it be clear — I am not against giving awards to anyone who truly merit them, but awards should never be sold or given simply because A or B has money. When recognition is turned into vanity and competition, it undermines unity and weakens the credibility of the meeting. This was not the spirit of the August Meeting when it first began.
History shows that the August Meeting started in Anambra in a very calm and encouraging way, designed to foster peace and cooperation between husbands and wives. It was all about cultural displays like respect for tradition, and building harmony in families. Sadly, in some places today, that original vision has been watered down by excesses and misconduct.
Beyond these concerns, there is also an urgent health and safety angle that can no longer be ignored. I have followed up August Meetings in different communities, and one thing stands out — there are usually no medical facilities or personnel in place, despite the fact that these activities can last two to four days. Basic things such as blood pressure (BP) apparatus, standby ambulances, and medical professionals are absent. Recently at Ugwunagbo, a 65-year-old woman who came to entertain the crowd suddenly slumped and died. People initially thought she was still performing when she stood motionless, but in reality, she was in distress. There was no medical personnel on ground to give her first aid, no ambulance to rush her to safety. Tragedies like this are preventable if health precautions are taken seriously.
This is why I strongly believe the August Meeting should not only be about merriment or fundraising. It should be a platform for purposeful decision-making — a forum where women back up good resolutions made by their communities and collectively address pressing issues such as drug abuse, cultism, misuse of social media, indecent exposure by young girls, and the moral decay in society. At the same time, organizers must take responsibility for the health and safety of participants by making medical arrangements part of the planning.
Women must also remember that respect for their husbands and the sanctity of marriage remain at the center of Igbo culture. When a wife loses respect for her husband, the entire home suffers. The August Meeting should never become a license for disobedience, but rather a reminder that a strong family is the foundation of a strong community.
Future August Meetings should end with clear communiques — binding pronouncements that provide guidance for families and the wider community. Parents must be reminded that family issues are not to be dragged to social media, but resolved through dialogue and wisdom. Our daughters must be taught to carry themselves with dignity, while our sons must be guided to uphold discipline and true masculinity in this so-called modern age.
The August Meeting is a sacred duty. It must rise above the misuse and waywardness we see in some quarters. Fundraising is good, merriment is beautiful, but discipline, accountability, purposeful decision-making, and health preparedness are even greater. If these are restored, the August Meeting will not only remain a cultural celebration but also reclaim its rightful place as a force for unity, respect, safety, and positive change in our society.
LET US COPY RIGHT!!
Don’t get it twisted Nde Nne (Our Mothers)
Nde Nne Mama…..
*Ifeanyi Okali writes from Ebem Ohafia, Abia State.
okaliifeanyi@gmail.com
