Igbo-speaking community in Lagos unites for progress at the swearing-in event of new excos

Igbo-speaking community in Lagos unites for progress at the swearing-in event of new excos

… as President General of the Igbo-speaking community, Chief Sunday Udeh promises reform in his tenure.

By Naomi Onome

The Igbo-speaking community, led by the BoT chairman, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, hosts Ndigbo in Lagos at its swearing-in ceremony of the new executives on Sunday, September 14th, 2025. The inaugural event, which is centred on fostering unity, assures clarity in the disparity rumoured amongst Ndigbo and also aims to promote cultural activities, protect group interests, foster interpersonal relationships, and ensure the socio-cultural community is not marginalised.

The Igbo-speaking community, bound by shared objectives and common cultural values, traditions, and beliefs, had new executives take an oath of office in affirmation of their designated position of leadership as they, in turn, promised to abide by the rules and regulations of their appointment.

Dr Jonathan Nnaji, the BoT chairman, in his opening speech thanked fellow attendees, the Royal Fathers, and party chairmen of various parties for their presence at the occasion. He expressed his pride in the Lagos State Government and urged Ndigbo in Lagos to continue living in peace as he emphasised the importance of unity and peace in Nigerian society.

High Chief Ansalem Njoku, who represented Tayo Akindele Ayinde, the Chief of Staff of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, showed support at the inaugural event of the Igbo-speaking community. He assures that Chief Sunday Udeh, the President General of the Igbo-speaking community, would be on the protocol list of the Governor of Lagos State. Dr Jonathan Nnaji, in response to High Chief Ansalem’s message, appealed to the Lagos State government to create a list for Igbo-speaking communities, recognising their different names.

High Chief Innocent Nwaogwugwu, the chairman of the event, welcomed and thanked community leaders and the hero of peace, as ascribed to High Chief Sunday Eze, who voluntarily stepped down as PG of the Igbo-speaking community to accommodate a single rule without fractions for Chief Sunday Udeh’s leadership as President General. He highlighted the efforts of these individuals in fostering peace and unity within the Igbo-speaking community.

High Chief Sunday Eze expressed satisfaction over the turnout of the inaugural event aimed at fostering unity among the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State. He emphasised the importance of unity for community progress and development and addressed rumours of past factions and divisions within the Igbo-speaking community, highlighting how the negative development had hindered growth and relationships with the Lagos State government. Now, with unity achieved, he expressed optimism about the prospects of a stronger, more cordial relationship with the government, which could lead to better outcomes for the Igbo community.

Chief Sunday Eze further advised the newly inaugurated executives of the Igbo-speaking community to maintain unity, address disunity, and foster peace within the organisations. Says he believes unity is key to regaining governments’ attention and cooperation and suggests specific areas for the new team to prioritise in their collaboration with the Lagos State government.

Dr Jonathan Nnaji, the BoT chairman, on uniting the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos, said it’s quite an achievement to have brokered peace between the two factions within the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos, especially after a prolonged period of crisis. The unity, he says, is undoubtedly a significant milestone, as he noted that the critical objectives of the Igbo-speaking community are centred on living in peace with the host communities (the sons of the soil) in Lagos. – Fostering unity and cooperation among Igbo speakers – Preserving the Igbo language, tradition, and culture, especially for the younger generation who may not have frequent exposure to Igboland.

He further said,

“With the Igbo community now speaking with one voice, it’s plausible that initiatives to promote Igbo language and cultural heritage could gain more traction. Cultural education in schools and community programmes might play a vital role in this endeavour.”

“The Igbos want their language to continue to exist, as their children may not visit Igbo land for extended periods. Moreover, we also aim to teach our children about their language and culture, as there are emirs of the north and Yoruba communities in the east.”

Regarding how the new leadership might approach things differently, Dr Jonathan highlighted the advantage of unity – speaking with one voice. This cohesion, he says, could enhance the community’s ability to engage with host communities and articulate their needs and contributions more effectively. It might also streamline efforts to promote Igbo culture and address common challenges faced by the community in Lagos.

Chief Sunday Udeh, the President General of the Igbo-speaking Community in Lagos, during an interview with the press, revealed that there is a plan in progress to set up a Lagos team to guide Igbo initiatives, ensuring they’re done with respect and legality. This, he says, is a strategic effort to integrate and contribute positively to Lagos while maintaining Igbo identity. He aims to unite Igbos in Lagos with a vision for togetherness.

Stepping into a significant role with a clear vision for unity and progress among the Igbo community in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh emphasised the importance of Igbos speaking in one voice, reconciling differences, and fostering togetherness, having faced challenges in the past. Udeh’s multifaceted approach focuses on internal cohesion among Igbos in Lagos and keenness to respect the host community, Lagos, and its traditions as he advocates for Igbos to be law-abiding and respectful citizens. He highlighted the developmental contributions Igbos are known for, which have been maintained over time.

Udeh buttressed the importance of collaboration with the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, whom he says is supportive of Igbos.

Hon, chief, Dr Okechukwu Uzuegbunam, the youth leader of the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos, lays emphasis on integrity, transparency, and accountability, as this resonates strongly as foundational elements for effective leadership. He highlighted that leadership among Ndigbo is about leading rather than ruling, which underscores the importance of collaborative and inclusive governance. This, he says, is a pivotal approach in fostering trust and driving collective progress.

Regarding the youths who aren’t part of the Igbo-speaking community, Dr Okechukwu encouraged them to step up and be active participants in shaping their environment. This call to proactive engagement, he says, is crucial for bringing about desired change, regardless of one’s cultural background within the community.

He promises to empower the youth wing and place them in the highest esteem while working with the main body to rebuild the community. Urged the new government to do things right, abandon old leadership methods, maintain integrity and accountability, and lead the Igbos, not rule them.

The swearing-in of Chief Sunday Udeh was conducted by the Igbo-speaking community group of legal luminaries as well as Dr Jonathan Nnaji and accompanied by personalities at the event.

Attendance includes the council of Ndi Eze in Lagos, the leadership and members of Igbo-speaking community Lagos, political party representatives, representative from other traditional leaders ( Yoruba and Hausa) and invited guests.