The Anambra state Gov Willie Obiano has said that there is
cogent need for the synchronization of all socio-cultural Igbo Groups and
Unions under Ohaneze Ndigbo to achieve one viable front for the realization of
the Igbo Agenda.
The governor made this observation when he received a
delegation from the leadership of a pan-Igbo group, Alaigbo Development
Foundation, (ADF)at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia.
The powerful delegation was led by Prof Uzodinma Nwala; Prof
Elochukwu Amucheazi; former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie
Ikedife and former Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev
Maxwell Anikwenwa amongst others.
They said they came to thank the governor for his support
and interest in their activities, to brief him on their programmes as well as
to extend their hand of cooperation to the State Government towards overcoming
the persistent socio-economic challenges of Ndigbo.
Gov Obiano used the opportunity to reveal that the SouthEast
Governors Forum resolved to endorse and recognize Ohaneze Ndigbo as the apex
Igbo Organization and encourage other groups to identify with the Body.
The stand, according to him was because there were many Igbo
Groups aiming to achieve the goal of emancipation of Ndigbo but due to the
divisions, they tend to antagonize each other and as such, play willfully into
the hands of detractors.
Gov Obiano however promised that the State will key into any
laudable programme they may come up with that will impact positively on the
lives of the people, stating that for his administration, no effort is to be
spared in pursing the cause of the Igbo nation.
The Leader of the delegation and President of the
Organization, Prof Nwala explained that the ADF was initiated to be a
powerhouse for the support of governments in Igboland and to support Ohaneze
Ndigbo and other Pan Igbo Groups to sharpen the vision of Igbo fundamentalists
and work for their realization.
Professor Nwala said it was gratifying to know that the
Obiano administration and the ADF are thinking alike particularly as it
concerns wooing Ndigbo to bring home their wealth and lauded the Governor's
unparalleled development strategy and security initiative as well as his
decision to bury the fallen heroes of the Biafran war.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and
Communication's strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta who was the facilitator of the
meeting, pointed out that the meeting was a milestone in the present
administration's efforts to garner the support of critical stakeholders and
well meaning individuals and groups towards the development of the state and
the SouthEast.
Most Rev Maxwell Anikwenwa who is the Chairman of the
Organization's Trust Fund Management Committee, observed that through his
disposition, Gov Obiano has shown that he has all the necessary qualities to
lead other Igbo Governors in the quest to address the Igbo question.
By Kingsley Ezekwelu
