Ohaneze Nd’Igbo Amuwo-Odofin Chapter Inaugurates New Excos, Shows Solidarity.
By Onome Naomi
The inauguration of New Excos of Ohaneze Ndigbo of Amuwo Odofin chapter took place on 17th, Dec., 2022 in Lagos.
The event attracted Royals and notable persons of the Igbo descends in Amuwo Odofin. The guest present includes: The chairman of the event, Prince Nixon Okwara, Ezendigbo Amuwo-Odofin Eze Udo, Hon. Achara Maureen Chika the Vice Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Hon. George Adeyeye Labour party House of Reps candidate, Comr. Leo Obasi,Rev. Father Ben of the Holy Family Catholic Church Festac Town, Chief Violent Obiora (Onaedo), the Public Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Apostle Pat Nwanze amongst Others.
The event commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Father Ben and a presentation of traditional cola for prayers by Prince Nixon Okwara. The colanut was blessed by Royal Fathers in attendance observing customs and tradition to its fullest. The audience also recited Ohaneze National Anthem, a display of solidarity.
In the opening speech, the chairman of the occasion Prince Nixon Okwara emphasized the need for unity and peace amongst the igbos in Amuwo-Odofin.He also said there are plans underway to get a secretariat for the Amuwo-Odofin chapter as this will be achievable within the first quarter of 2023, he made a generous donation to support the course.
Speaking with the newly inaugurated chairman, Chief Chikwado Lawrence, he expressed gratitude over the notable igbolite attendees who had graced the occasion colourfully as he emphasized on the need for solidarity amongst the Excos and members of the Amuwo-Odofin Chapter of Ohaneze. He said there is need for the newly elected excos to support ideas and agendas presented for a progressive run of the affairs of the socio cultural organisation.
Further more, Chikwado emphasized the essence of good followership as this will enhance good leadership. Members and stakeholders from amuwo Odofin should lay a good foundation and actualise plans through empowerment programs. As the apex leader of the socio cultural of Ndigbo in Amuwo, there is need for a Secretariat, an empowerment program for Igbos which includes the youths and less priviledged through welfare activities, he stated.
Talking about the preparedness of the igbos in Amuwo-Odofin for the 2023 elections, Chikwado implored Igbo to exercise their civil rights in a civilised manner devoid of rifts as APC is the ruling party in Amuwo-Odofin and that should be respected regardless of opinions and differences in culture. He said:
“We still cannot undermine that APC is the ruling party in Lagos state and as such we should show gratitude by acknowledging them during the next election.Voting is a thing of the conscience, we cant take the people’s rights from them, we advise them rightly on how to make right decisions.”
Chief Chikwado the newly elected chairman also talked about promoting peace between the Amuwo community and other host communities.The igbos are one despite the drama embedded in Ohaneze leadership, he said.
The newly inaugurated Excos of Amuwo-Odofin includes: The woman leader Evang. Hope Eze, Dept. leader Chigozie Ejiofo, Secretary Sir Martin Ugoma, Dept. Chairman Sir Cosmos Nwoko, and others.
Hon. George Adeyeye a candidate of Labour party house of Reps was present to show solidarity and support to Ohaneze Ndigbo Amuwo-Odofin Chapter, made a generous contribution.
Hon.Mrs Achara Maureen Chika,the vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA expressed excitement over the inauguration of the new Ohaneze excos in Amuwo. She said the Ohaneze is well rooted in solidarity amongst its members in Amuwo Odofin as peace has also been integrated.
Hon. Achara said in 2023 election, the APC govt is prepared and doing everything possible to make a large vote count. Although Ohaneze is socio cultural not political in its entirety yet ndigbos in Ohaneze will fulfill civic duties as a Citizen of the country, as APC is working assiduously to come out victorious.
The igbos have a lot of investment in Amuwo-Odofin, we should protect where we live as APC is the govt of the day in Lagos, she noted.
Hon. Achara advised the new Excos to be united in solidarity so as to achieve success in governing the socio cultural organisation. Said the chairman should carry the Excos along, a leader can be called a leader because he samples the opinion of his subjects to give out a good leadership dividend, she said.
Achara also revealed that the local govt has plans for Ohaneze and the people of Amuwo Odofin not minding tribes and cultures.
During a media chat with pressmen, The chairman of the inauguration, Prince Nixon Okwara stated that the Igbos are republicans and as such embraces leadership. He said democracy started in Igbo land, the system of governance can also be traced to Igbo land in times past. To succeed as a leader in Igbo culture you must give everyone a chance to speak and sample opinions. Majority should have their way and minority should also have their say as this will bring about success to enhance leadership positions, a further show of solidarity amongst Ohaneze leadership in Amuwo-Odofin. More also, there is only one Ohaneze in Lagos and whatever issues is lingering in the organisation will fizzle out and peace will be restored in no distant time.
Prince Nixon further expressed gratitude to share the new vision of the chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Amuwo Odofin trusting that the new chairman will make a visible change to the system of Ndigbos in Amuwo-Odofin. He has the burning desire to serve as well as some lofty ideas that will lead the organisation towards achieving success in its existence, he said.
During the colourful event gathering, there was also a rich cultural display of the Igbo dance by troops as well as lots of site and sound attractions to commemorate the inauguration ceremony.
Chief Chikwado, the newly elected Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Chapter also promises not to let his people down within the 4 yrs of his tenure, promotes solidarity amongst members.
