Igbo Cultural Day: We’re ready to join hand to build Lagos — Ohanaeze
An Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State on Sunday said that Igbos were ready to join hand together with indigenes to further build the state.
The group made the pledge at the 2024 commemoration of Igbo Cultural Day and Yam Festival in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Alimosho area of Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which was also to mark 10th Year Anniversary of Eze Emmanuel Oparachukwu, the Eze Udo 1 of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, witnessed the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some Lagos indigenes.
In his address, Oparachukwu said that the event was to project igbo common identity and promote the cultural heritage “as one people under one destiny.”
“Let us use the opportunity offered by this event to push the frontiers of our collective dreams of a greater united and progressive Ndigbo indigenes in Lagos State.
“It an opportunity to join hand with our host state (Lagos State) to build Lagos if we are allowed,” Oparachukwu said.
According to him, despite challenges, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are living out all their dreams in the state.
He said that there was the need to appreciate Igbo rich cultural heritages and values, preserve and deepen them.
He said: “The onerous task before us today rest in rebuilding confidence and this we must do among others.
“It is our collective aspiration and all hands must join to ensure that our traditional value are being salvaged from extinction and preserved for the new generation to emulate.”
He said that Igbo must also think of what to do for the society and not what society would do unto them.
Speaking, Chief Solomon Aguene (Udochia), the Chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State said that Igbo cultural values were respected everywhere in the world, and those in Lagos would continue to preserve them.
Aguene said that there should not be animosity and offences among different tribes and culture in Lagos State.
Also, Dr Jossy Egwuatu, the Eze Ndigbo of Surulere LGA told NAN that the celebration was about love and oneness that should exist among various ethnic nationalities in Lagos.
A co-host of the event, Chief Charles Obih (Ugoabata) told NAN that the event was also to intimate Igbo children residing in Lagos with traditions, especially some of them who had not been privileged to go their native Igbo land.
Obih, the President General, United Market Leaders/Traders Association of Nigeria, urged Igbos to be law-abiding and work for peace to move the state forward.
The former President General,.who commended people of Lagos for being accommodating, however urged the state government to accommodate Igbos in the state and local government public offices
One of the awardees and Lagos indigene, Hon. Moshood Salvador, who was conferred with “Nwannedinamba Title”, promised to do more in supporting and carrying Igbo along, especially the youth, in the state.
“What is important in life is to have consideration for humanity regardless of religion, tribe ans tongue. We must work together.
“One tribe should not disrespect and disappoint the other. This award is not by accident, the association between the Yoruba and Igbos in Lagos is long,” Salvador, a former federal lawmaker, said.
Dedicating the award to all the indigenous fathers of Lagos, Salvador said that life was about understanding people’s need meeting them.
Another awardee, Bashorun Olufunmilola.Anjorin, the Chairman of the Conscience Forum, who was conferred with Enyi Ndigbo Title, pledged to do more in partnering and relating with the Igbos in Lagos.
After all titles were performed and prayers offered to God, Igbo leaders led by the Chairman of the Day, Eze Peter Ifeanyi, crowned and awarded the beneficiaries the titles.
The event, which brought together various Igbo leaders and groups together, witnessed many cultural rites, songs, dances and displays to thrill the celebrants.
