Igbo leader Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is under pressure to take over the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo following the death of President General Prof. George Obiozor.

He confirmed being encouraged to accept the position when a group, the Igbo Delegate Assembly, visited him.

Its President, Chief Chikezie Nwogu, told Iwuanyanwu that they were on a mission from 19 northern states to appeal to him to accept the leadership of Ohanaeze to complete Obiozor’s tenure.

Nwogu said: “The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation is in dire need of a central voice and a leadership that will change the existing narrative and adopt a new approach that will address the challenges facing Ndigbo Worldwide.”

He believes Iwuanyanwu Is the man whose pedigree and antecedents can give Ndigbo the desired leadership and direction, especially at this time.

Iwuanyanwu said many Igbo leaders have been asking him to take over the organisation’s leadership.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders Chairman said some programmes have been mapped out to improve the lot of Ndigbo.

He said that plans are underway to revive the NigerCem Nkalagu, adding that a Committee under Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo has been set up to resolve issues with the Ebonyi State government and the people to ensure that the company comes back to life.

Iwuanyanwu said there are limestones in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states for cement production, including the Coal Mine in Enugu and other minerals resources in the Southeast.

The Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo stated that a Southeast Council of Business Leaders, which will harness all the opportunities available for the effective transformation of Igboland, has been set up.

Among the Igbo delegates from the 19 northern states were Chiefs Donatus Nwugo-Igbo, Kenneth Okeugo, Christopher Onu, Chidi Chukwunta and Paul Ogbonna. (The Nation)

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