Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia, promises to promote, honour, dignity self-respect among Ndigbo

From Henrietta Ashikodi ,Umuahia

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia State chapter, Dr C .C Okwuonu has promised that the group in Abia will leave up to it responsibility, assuring that it will usher in an era of enlightenment, vibrancy and growth in the life of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the State in the next four years.

The president, Abia chapter, stated this during the inaugural meeting which held at the conference hall of Umuahia North LGA attended by members. The meeting provided an opportunity for each member to suggest best way to move Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abia forward.

He charged the new Executive on the need to perform creditably, adding that the expectations placed on their shoulders are very high, therefore they cannot afford to fail in discharge of their responsibilities.

Dr Okwuonu extolled Gov Alex Otti for the support given to the body so far while promising that with the crop of members in the newly elected executive, he has no doubt in his mind that they will surely deliver.

He disclosed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a non partisan, a non sectarian organization where Ndigbo wherever they are , may come together for the purpose of nurturing better understanding and harmonious relations amongst themselves and other ethnic groups in Nigeria whose opinions and advice shall be sought and respected not only by Ndigbo but by also the government and other nationalities.

To this end, he charged newly inaugurated members to strive to live up to expectations in discharging of their responsibilities as Abia State ambassadors of the apex socio cultural group.

He further explained that the aim of this organization is to serve as a focal point for reference , of direction and collective leadership in a matter affecting the interest, solidarity and the general welfare of Ndigbo in the contest of Nigeria.

“The aim is also to promote and advance Igbo language and culture, to promote honour, dignity and self respect among Ndigbo and encourage their achievement in various aspects of life.” Dr Okwuonu hinted.

He also pointed out that their duties also included to liaise with all tiers of government to enhance rapid socio economic development in Igbo land.

According to him, the aim is also to assist and encourage the formation of Igbo self- help assistance and improvement organizations wherever Ndigbo reside, adding that it is also to settle intra- Igbo disputes and promote peaceful co- existence with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

Dr C.C Okwuonu said that membership of Ohanaeze is open to all adult Igbo upon payment of registration fees and annual dues while tasking newly elected members to work with him to achieve greater results.

Speaking on his policy thrust, he said as Igbo oriented group, cannot remove themselves of the political angles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He also maintained that they will ensure that they promote the culture of Igbo people in Abia State, to ensure activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will be known at all levels, grassroots in the state.

“We want to promote the rich cultural heritage of Igbo man in Abia State such as cultural festival for people to know that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is in existence in Abia State”. The President stated.

The highpoints of the meeting was the constitution of a five man ad hoc committee headed by the Deputy President, Hon Chika Ibeku to fashion out a blueprint for the smooth take off as well as programmes of action for the newly elected executive members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state within one year.