BY:.VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
As the new executives of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cross River state chapter held its inaugural meeting in the most populated community in West Africa, Ugep, June 19th, 2021 will ever remain a historic day for this great organization.
This is so because the highly respected Paramount Ruler of Ugep, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Obol Lopon Ubana Eteng,,received and blessed the executives and their members before the meeting commenced.
It was indeed a colourful reception in the Palace of the Paramount ruler who incidentally is an in-law to the Ibos
Welcoming them to his palace alongside with the wife, he lauded the jgbos for their hard work and industrious spirit wherever they find themselves.
He said “I am overwhelmed that you choose Ugep for your first inaugural meeting. The igbos in Ugep, are very responsible. We have a long standing relationship and culture.”
He recalled that the Obol Lopon of Ugep was the paramount ruler in charge of the old Eastern region then
Obol Eteng said that the igbos have come to stay in Ugep because if they are 100, fifty of them have built houses here.
He commended them for choosing to pay him the courtesy call and prayed God to guide and protect the leaders and members.
Obol Eteng sued for peace among Nigerians as it is only true dialogue that results are achieved but not through war.He condemned those fanning the ambers of war in the country.
He declared “we need peace to exist and live together as a nation and nothing short of that”.
Earlier, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cross River chapter, High Chief Festus Odoemenam who had appreciated the Obol Lopon for receiving his team, welcomed executives and members to the inaugural meeting and called for God’s presence and protection.
Thereafter, he listed a 6-point action plan which his administration will rigorously pursue during his tenure.
They are, “to ensure that the inconclusive report of the CPC for Ohanaeze Day 28th anniversary of Ezeigbo leadership is trashed without further delay, appoint a committee to manage the (2) buses inherited from the immediate past executives and to appoint a by-law drafting committee to regulate our administrative activities”,
Others include, “payment of dues beginning from June 2021 meeting by all units chapters, the appointment of ex-officio members to enlarge the current exco and to pursue the attainment and sustenance of healthy relationship with host communities”.
The “Agunaechemba” during the meeting urged all former exco members to do a proper handover to the new executives.
The highlight of the meeting was a warning to the immediate past president general, Barrister Ugorji Nwabueze to desist from parading himself as the President general henceforth.
Gracing the occasion, the Executive chairman of Yakurr local government, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten, who was represented by his chief press secretary, Eno Eno Edet, welcomed Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo to Ugep for their inaugural meeting and wished them successful deliberations.
All the unit chapter chairmen and their executives with the exception of Obubra where elections has been ordered to be conducted,,attended the meeting held at Ugep Secondary school hall.
Below are the new executives. High Chief Festus Odoemena, President General , Evang. Caleb Agwu (VP 1), Bro. Chinedu Ileke (VP 2), Mr. Cyprian Dike – Secretary, Barr. Remi Agwuezie, (asst sec), Chief Oliver Eke (Treasurer), Mkpuma Moses Chibueze (Fin. Sec)and Chief Charles Anyanwu (PRO).
.Others are, Ozo Mike Nwakanobi (welfare), Chukwuma Ogah(Provost),,Mr Ikpo Okonkwo (Assf Provost) Mr. Anya Sunday (asst provost 11)Barr.,Kalu Kingsley (legal adviser) and Comrade Patrick Ibekwe (asst fin. Sec).
The Eze Igbo Calabar Eze (Sir), Emmanuel Ezenwenyi was represented by Eze Igbo Ikom during the courtesy call on Obol Lopon of Ugep and at the meeting.
