By Amaechi Ugwele
The Enugu State wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has inaugurated its Igbo-Etiti local government chapter in a well-attended ceremony held at Ogbede, the council headquarters.
In his speech, while welcoming the State team, the Transition Chairman of Igbo-Etiti, Hon. Malachy Agbo, expressed his joy as finally it was the turn of the area to host Ndigbo through the organization, and also formally institute its existence in the local government for more opportunities to foster unity among the people at the grassroots.
“On behalf of the good people of Igbo-Etiti, I welcome you all to our land as you have come to perform this special task. It is a task that would no doubt cement the unity and bond we share as a people that live in one love and peace with one another. Meanwhile, we stand here to give our commitment that Igbo-Etiti will never lag behind in the affairs of Ohaneze Ndigbo given that we have been privileged to have our illustrious son, Chief Dr. Nnia Nwodo at the helms as the President General of Ohaneze”, Agbo said.
Chief Alex Ogbonna, Enugu State President in his speech shortly before performing the inauguration, noted that Igbo-Etiti was an important area in the state for Ohaneze considering the pool of quality and gifted persons it had, like Chief Nwodo, from where Ndigbo had consistently tapped in servicing its interests.
“Igbo-Etiti is blessed by God. It has produced notable people in the society. It has contributed so immensely to the growth of Ohaneze. And for sure we will continue to tap from your resources for such people like Chief Dr. Nnia Nwodo who is one in a million.”
Chief Nwodo, in his special address, thanked Ndigbo for coming together in love to chart their course.
He said “What we are doing here today is what we have been doing all over Igboland so that Ohaneze will get to the roots of all the villages and communities in our Igbo land. As we have been chosen by our people, Ohaneze will continue to fight against our ill treatment in Nigeria. We must continue to fight for a just Nigeria where there is equity, fairness and justice. While doing this, we will never stop promoting our unity and the development of Igboland.”
With this inauguration the local chapter fully came into effect, empowered to continue to carry out its outlined activities in the grassroots, especially with a view to uniting the people and promoting Igbo culture and values.
Several other dignitaries from the area among whom were Chief Chris Offor, Special Adviser to the Governor and Chairman Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee; Hon. Dr. Martins Oke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters; Lolo Eucharia Offor, Commissioner for Finance, Enugu State; Rt. Brig. Gen. Fred Eze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, past state and national assembly members, past Chairmen of the local government, Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents, party executives etc, attended the very colourful event that also featured scintillating cultural performances.
