Pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the numerous intervention programs and palliatives the Lagos State Government has taken to alleviate the hardship suffered by residents of the state

The Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo South West Regional Directorate, Chief Everest Ozonweke, while commending the governor for the steps so far taken to mitigate the economic difficulties, also charged Sanwo-Olu on the importance of ensuring an equitable distribution of the relief measures to benefit all residents of Lagos, without regard to ethnicity or political allegiance.

Ozonweke whose appointment as the coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo South West was recently ratified by the National Executive Committee of the apex Igbo organisation urged the governor to act in a way that would dispel feelings of perceived lack of inclusivity of people of Igbo ethnic extraction in the administration during the current tenure.

He noted that many Igbo had actively supported the governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there is a prevailing sentiment of exclusion within the Igbo community.

He said, “Instances of unexplained demolitions of places of businesses by the Lagos State task force and the Urban Development Agency have further exacerbated tensions, with no transparent justifications provided by the authorities, allowing opportunistic individuals and overzealous property developers to exploit the situation for personal gain.

“Looking ahead, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive healing process to address the existing communications gap between the Igbo community and the Lagos State government.”

He advocates for a more collaborative and inclusive approach in governance to address the community’s concerns effectively and prevent further marginalisation, and added that, “it is imperative for the government and its agencies to engage directly with the community, transparently address grievances, and take decisive action to rectify these issues for the benefit of all residents.”

He reiterated the position of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in advising the Ndigbo to exercise caution and refrain from participating in the ongoing protests in some part of the country.

According to him, the position of the President General is driven from the vision and effective leadership based on “our past and present realities and in recognition of the critical existential threats and uncertainty that defines our collective future in the contraption called Nigeria.”

Ozonweke said the assumption of Chief Iwuanyawu as the President General of the apex Igbo organisation remains a beacon of hope for Ndigbo.

“Ahaejiagamba’s assumption of this esteemed position is not just symbolic; it also serves to showcase his outstanding leadership qualities, resonating with the fundamental values of unity, wisdom, and progress that are integral to the Igbo heritage”, he said. (Saturday Sun)

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