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Members of Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the pan Igbo socio – cultural Organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo have recently met in a town hall meeting in the FCT to chart way forward for the people of Southeast residing in the nation’s capital.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the former Chairman of Police Affairs Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, the Ochendo Amichi; Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu; Secretary Igbo Elders Council (Ime Obi), Prof Charles Nwaekeaku; Dr. Ray Nkemdirim; Ez’Igbo Garki, HRH Charles Olisakwe, who represented Eze Igbo Abuja, HRH. Nwosu Ibe; President Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo FCT Abuja, Barr Onwu O. Arua; Prof. Ezenwe; Mr. Auston Ifedinezi; Dr. Emma Mazi; Chairman of Nd’Igbo State Presidents, Chief Chuks Chigbu, among others.
In his welcome address at the event, the president of the Association, Barr Onwu O. Arua had this to say: “The gathering today is the first statutory meeting of General Assembly of Ndigbo in November, 2020. Ohaneze FCT constitution provides for such periodic meetings, comprising of the Council of Elders ( Ime Obi); Traditional Councils (Ndi Eze); Igbo Community Assembly, States /Town Unions; Representatives of Market Traders; Captains of Industries and Opinion leaders of Igbo extraction, both in private and public sectors.
“The delay in convening this statutory meeting is not deliberate, having regard to human factors, to which we are inseparably heir to. We can’t dwell on those distractions, as the future holds better prospects for Nd’igbo, not just here in Abuja, but in Nigeria as a whole.
“So we invite Nd’igbo today, for us to interact among ourselves in an atmosphere of brotherliness, tell ourselves the truth and bitter truth our circumstances and environment, through the wisdoms of the sages among us; chart the right course for the essence and existence of Nd’igbo as a people of common destiny.”
He continued: “We can’t claim that all is well with us individually and collectively, but there can never be perfect moments in life any way. So we arrive for improvements. Nd’igbo have been operating lately on the principle of “Ike Otu Onye,” literally meaning, One Man’s Strength,” as distinct from the legacies of our forebears, who through Igbo Union established primary and secondary schools in major cities of Nigeria; offered scholarships to brilliant and indigent pupils, to enable them achieve their aspirations.
“Through the system of mentorship which is being studied all over the world, Ndigbo have been known for being their brothers’ springboards to better living and to the envy of other climes. In spite of these positive achievements, we still think that it has become more compelling now than ever to appreciate the concept of “Igwe bu Ike,” meaning “Strength lies in Numbers,” by applying, “Ako na IUche,* meaning, “Trickery and Sense,” so that we shall all dwell in homes and land. “Igbo bu Oke Mba,,” meaning, “The Igbo is a Great Nation.”
Barr Onwu Oko Arua spoke at length on the need and importance of a gathering of that nature, which if continued, according to him would not only go a long way for people from the ethnic group, but also to the country in general.
