Igbos across the globe have been commended for the successful hosting of this year’s World Igbo Day in parts of Nigeria and other centres across the world.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo national caretaker chairman, Chief Ralph Obioha, and the committee’s secretary, Chief (Barrister) Kate Onwe, the apex Igbo cultural body said the ceremony offered Igbos an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing them in present day Nigeria.

The statement said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo (Caretaker Committee) congratulates all Ndigbo both at home and the Diaspora on the successful celebration and observance of the 2016 Igbo Day at their stations, which took place on 29th September, 2016.

“Though the celebration was low key, it offered us the opportunity to reflect on the various challenges facing us in the contemporary Nigerian political cum economic equation and restrategise on the ways forward.

“While we urge Ndigbo not to relent in their love for hard work and enterprise, and peaceful co-existence with their host communities, we encourage them to take serious the political, legal and institutional reforms that are being propelled in the country.”

The statement equally asked Igbos to remember their home both in terms of economic activities and in supporting state governments in their native states.

According to it, “We must begin to think home, especially with our economic investments.

“We equally call on all of us to support our various states governments in their efforts to uplift the Igbo nation and cater for the welfare of all Ibos.

“While we pledge our unalloyed support to the government of President Mohammed Buhari, we urge him to give the people of the South-East the needed development of the area.

“The road networks of the region are very deplorable and the rail lines are out of use for decades now. We also urge the federal government to urgently tackle the security problems posed by the activities of the Fulani herdsmen.

“We thank Ibos everywhere for their cooperation and understanding to the Ohanaeze (Caretaker Committee) and wish them success in their respective endeavours. We prevail on our people to close ranks with the objective to develop Igbo land,” the statement concluded.

•Source: The AUTHORITY. Photo shows Ralph Obioha.

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