By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
A new leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Niger state chapter has emerged, with a promise of not destroying but to build on the legacies founding members of the apex Igbo group in the state handed over to them.
The colourful inauguration of the 21-member state executives which has ndigbo residing across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger state represented has, Dr. Martin Orji as President while Barrister Sabastien Ugbogu is the State Secretary.
Chief Alex Aronu Deputy President State (Anambra), Mrs. Juliet Nwabuzor, Deputy State President (Delta), Chief James Obisike Deputy President (Abia), Elder John Ogbonna, Deputy State President (Ebonyi), Elder Ojike Jonas, Deputy State President (Enugu) and Dr. Valentine Oparaocha, Deputy State President (Imo) and Kenneth Okoro Nwoga, Assistant Secretary and Pastor Daniel Okoro, Treasurer and Dr. (Mrs) Chika E. Odo, State Women Leader.
The new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Niger state also has; Dr. Obinna Okereke (Legal Adviser), Chinwendu Nnadozie (Media Adviser), Mazi Ikechukwu Agbo (State Auditor) and Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke (Mobilization Officer).
At the inauguration ceremony which took place at Haske Hotel, Tunga Minna, the outgone/pioneer President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Niger state, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo gave vivid account of how he and few other kinsmen nurtured the idea that brought about the existence of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization in the state.
Chief Ezeugo in his valedictory speech, chronicled the history of how Niger state chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo was birthed in the year, 2013 describing the experience as, "very challenging".
The bomb blast which claimed lives of many Christians, more of them Igbo sons and daughters at the, St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madala, Suleja LGA in the year, 2013, leaving many others with serious injuries, several businesses chattered and families displaced, he said served as fuel that flamed the socio-cultural organization to stand as a strong voice for ndigbo in the state.
According to him, "The Igbo leadership structure that existed then lacked the capacity to respond to the magnitude of such crisis. Our people needed a voice that is strong, organized, recognized and respected, a voice that could engage government authorities and as well advocate effectively for relief and justice".
Ezeugo further pointed out that, after deep deliberations, the urgent need to establish State chapter of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex umbrella body uniting all ndigbo worldwide was resolved.
Regrettably however, Ezeugo said, soon after the announcement of the establishment Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, resistance came swiftly from the then existing Igbo associations who perceived it as a threat.
Existing Igbo unions and groups deployed their instruments of opposition, including propaganda, inviting the police, State Security Service (SSS), Local and state government machineries, but, "the truth stood firm".
For the 13 years (2013-2026), holding on to the leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ezeugo said Ohaneze Ndigbo structures were established across all the 25 LGAs, and, "We championed the formation of the 29 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja coordination framework there by strengthening Igbo unity across northern Nigeria".
"From crisis, we built structure. From opposition, we built legitimacy. From uncertainty, we built identity", Ezeugo recalled as he reminded the new executive that Ohaneze Ndigbo and those in leadership positions generally that leadership should be about responsibility, not as title but about sacrifices and standing firm when storms rage.
In his acceptance speech, the new President, Dr. Orji Martin described the inauguration of the new executive as historic moment in the lives not only the new leadership but the entire ndigbo in Niger state.
Orji promising that top of his plan is to strengthen unity amongst ndigbo across Niger state, protect and promote their welfare said, "We will work tirelessly to bring about unity among Igbo associations under the umbrella of Ohaneze, ensure that every voice is heard and that every group is recognized and carried along".
Acknowledging the fact that leadership is not only about privilege but a call to demonstrate service in practical terms, Dr. Orji told his fellow Igbos gathered at Haske Hotel on Saturday that, "The new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not only foster peaceful co-existence within various host communities in Niger state but also create opportunities for socio-economic growth and development to thrive".
The inauguration of the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Niger state was performed by Chief George Dike, the Special Adviser to Niger state Governor on Inter tribal matter, represented by Professor Casmiar Obialom.
Dike who prayed for the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Niger state to succeed encouraged the former President and his team not to relent in offering useful advices that would enable the new executive to succeed. NNL.
