By Brown Chimezie
It was a time of joy and happiness recently as the inauguration of new executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of Amuwo Odofin chapter held in Lagos.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Nixon Okwara, emphasized the need for unity and peace among Ndigbo in Amuwo-Odofin. He also said there were 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 cause.
Speaking with the newly inaugurated chairman, Chief Chikwado Lawrence, he expressed gratitude over the notable igbolite who graced the occasion as he emphasized on the need for solidarity amongst the excos and members of the Amuwo-Odofin Chapter of Ohanaeze. He said there was 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. He said members and stakeholders from Amuwo-Odofin should lay a good foundation and actualise plans through empowerment programmes. “As the apex leader of the socio-cultural organition of Ndigbo in Amuwo, there is need for a secretariat, an empowerment programmes for Igbos which includes the youths and less priviledged through welfare activities,” he stated.
Chief Chikwado, the newly elected chairman, also talked about promoting peace between the Amuwo community and host communities. “The igbo are one despite the drama embedded in Ohanaeze leadership,” he said.
The newly inaugurated excos of Amuwo-Odofin includes: The woman leader, Evang. Hope Eze; deputy leader, Chigozie Ejiofo; secretary, Sir Martin Ugoma; deputy chairman, and Sir Cosmos Nwoko, among others.
Hon. George Adeyeye, who was present to show solidarity and support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Amuwo-Odofin, made a generous contribution.
Mrs. Achara Maureen Chika, the vice chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, expressed excitement over the inauguration of the new Ohanaeze exco in Amuwo. She said the Ohanaeze was well rooted in Amuwo Odofin as peace has also been integrated.
Achara advised the new excos to be united in solidarity so as to achieve success in governing the socio cultural organisation. She said the chairman should carry the excos along, explaining that a real leader samples the opinion of his subjects to give out a good leadership dividend, she said.
Achara also revealed that the local government has plans for Ohanaeze and the people of Amuwo Odofin not minding tribes and cultures.
During a chat with the media, chairman of the inauguration, Prince 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 time past. To succeed as a leader in Igbo culture you must give everyone a chance to speak and sample opinions. The 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 Ohanaeze leadership in Amuwo-Odofin. More also, there is only one Ohanaeze in Lagos and whatever issue 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, 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 four years of his tenure, pledging to promote solidarity amongst members.