By Uzo Ugwunze
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has organized a one-day enlightenment retreat and seminar, as part of measures to galvanize its various organs for greater efficiency.
The retreat held in Awka, attracted Ohanaeze Ndigbo elected executives from the local government to the state level, as well as the leadership of the women and youth wings.
The event has as its theme, ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a mechanism to galvanize and uphold the core values of the Igbo race/ nation with special reference to Anambra State.’
Speaking at the event, state President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu explained that the idea behind the enlightenment programme was to enlighten the new excos to understand the expectations and the mandate of the organization.
According to him, the organization under his leadership is committed to ensuring that its functionaries are alive to their responsibilities, to be able to fulfill their mandate.
Okpalaezeukwu insisted that the apex Igbo organization in the state has activated its organs for greater performance, especially at the community level, and expressed optimism that the retreat will make a positive impact in the workings of the organization in the state.
Speaking on the November 8 governorship election in the state, Okpalaezeukwu noted that the organization by its formation, was designed to champion the political welfare, development and promotion of Ndigbo as a nation in Nigeria, but on a non-partisan basis.
He said the Ohaneze will evaluate the candidates according to their manifestoes and personalities, to ensure that the best candidate that will secure the best deal for the people emerges.
“This is an election year and we are urging our excos not to tilt to any political party. Rather, we should champion Igbo interests.
“We also have a duty to ensure that there is no voter apathy and that the people come out in their numbers to participate in their civic responsibility.
“We will also work to ensure a stable environment that will enable the people to participate in the elections,” he said.
In a keynote presentation, former National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene said Ohanaeze must begin to carry itself as the leader of the Igbo nation, urging the Ohaneze leadership in the state to lead by example.
He urged the officials of Ohaneze to avoid controversial statements that can destabilize the organization but to follow its hierarchy to ensure unity of purpose.
“Ohaneze operates as a family and any internal crisis must be settled amicably.
“The success of the present Ohaneze Anambra leadership is solely dependent on your support,” Okeke-Ogene urged.
On his part, the immediate past State President of the Organization, Chief Chukwuemekalum Udodeme suggested that the organization focus on strengthening of Ohaneze Ndigbo at the Local Government level.
He urged them to respect the government of the day, as is the policy of the organization, and shun programmes that will undermine the image of the group.
The immediate past Chairman of the State Association of Town Union, ASATU, Barr Titus Akpudo maintained that the new Ohaneze leadership in Anambra State has emerged and the organization’s officials have a duty to rally support for it.
He urged unity among the organization’s ranks, advising against divisive tendencies that can destroy the growth and progress of the association.
The retreat provided the opportunity for the leaders of the group to ask questions and get clarifications on some grey areas of their offices.