Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for peace as world Igbo conference holds in Anambra

THE Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to political leaders in the country to sincerely address the problems and difficulties facing many Nigerians, saying that Christmas and New Year celebrations should be a period of showing love to one another irrespective of religion and political affiliation.

Speaking to newsmen in Enugu on Saturday, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the apex umbrella of Igbo Socio-cultural association, Chuks Ibegbu, also urged Ndigbo to think home with a view to moving the nation forward.

Ibegbu insisted that restructuring of Nigeria remains the lasting solution to the hydra-headed problems and challenges being encountered by many people in the country, adding that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians.

“Restructuring of Nigeria is the desideratum to move the nation forward. There is no doubt that Nigeria is a great country endowed both with both human and material resources. All we need do is to harness them to the fullness and the country will become a paradise”, he added.

Meanwhile, all is now set for the World Igbo Retreat slated for January 2, 2018 in Abagana, Anambra State, the Local Organizing Secretary of the World Igbo Leadership, Education and Cultural Council ((WILECC), Mazi Dick Okezie, has said.

Briefing newsmen on the forthcoming event, Mazi Okezie, explained that the theme of the event tagged, “Effective Leadership Paradigm in Igbo land; a Challenge to present Igbo Leaders”, was apt as the gathering is coming at a time, Ndigbo  needed to work together ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Okezie said, Ndigbo  from home and abroad will gather at the villa of Dr NwachukwuAnakwenze, Onowu of Abagana on Tuesday, 2nd January ,, 2018 to observe the first World Igbo International. The event is packaged by the World Igbo leadership, Education and cultural council, Igbo Information and communication network and the Igbo in Diaspora organization.

He said, “the event will feature lectures, speeches, interactive forum and other side attractions. Igbo Business men and women, academics, politicians , youths, women and student leaders, clergy and traditional rulers are all expected at the auspicious event.

“The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Governors from the five Southeast geo-political zone namely;  Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, past and present National Assembly members are expected to brainstorm on investment promotion in Igbo land at the event”, he added.