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Tag: Ohanaeze

  • Foundation donates N5m to Ohanaeze youths

    Foundation donates N5m to Ohanaeze youths

    • Targets 500 for empowerment

    Ohanaeze youths in Anambra State have received N5million from John Bosco Onunkwo Foundation for environmental friendly research aimed at protecting the state from natural disaster.

    Chairman of the foundation and National Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Chief John Bosco Onunkwo, made this known after receiving award of excellence from the youth.

    He said 500 youths were to benefit from skills acquisition scheme of the foundation, adding that the gesture was targeted at pulling youths in the state out of crime.

    He vowed to ensure youths were positioned to contribute to nation building.

    He said: “We’ve instituted lots of programmes, including aquatic building training, agro-allied training and scholarships for youths to eradicate poverty among them.

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    “We plan starting the training with 500 youths. We have also empowered 100 and we will continue to empower them through entrepreneurial skills acquisition because they are pillar of the society.

    “We’re also planning a seminar for the youth to discover their talents, to eradicate mental poverty among them.

    “The seminar is targeted at identifying youths’ talents and to empower them to be better citizens.

    “I want to unite and bring factions of Ohanaeze youths together under one leader for a meaningful development in the region.”

    Handing over the award to Onunkwo, the Acting National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said the award was in recognition of his philanthropic services to humanity in the state and Nigeria.

  • Why youth must join hands to salvage Igbo land, Ohanaeze reveals

    Why youth must join hands to salvage Igbo land, Ohanaeze reveals

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has restated its commitment to building a virile, united and visionary youth wing with integrity and humility.

    The national vice president of the group, Damian Okeke-Ogene stated this on Monday, September 11, while hosting the Youth wing of the body led by its acting national youth leader, Mazi Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu at Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    He, however, said the youths should reciprocate by joining hands to salvage the Southeast, just as he appealed to the aggrieved ones to resolve their differences for the sake of peace in the zone.

    He said: “Our youths must be humble before they can serve. It’s greed that drags them to pecuniary gains rather than delivering selfless service. You can’t afford to be using the name of Ohaneze for politics because we’re not a political party.

    “Your actions should not contradict those of your fathers. It should rather be a true reflection of what they stood and fought for and still fighting for.

    “You can’t have someone like Iwuanyanwu, past President Generals, Obi of Onitsha, and other elders in Ohaneze, and your characters are not reflecting theirs. It’s only in Ohaneze that you see youths insulting their elders. You can’t see much among other tribes.”

    Okeke-Ogene hinted that the current leadership under Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was making every effort to ensure Ndigbo across the country were carried along in the scheme of things.

    He stated: “Ohaneze is virtually in all states in Nigeria. Currently, Iwuanyanwu has established three zones, one to take care of Igbos living in the 19 northern states and FCT, another for those in the West, with head office in Lagos, while those in Southeast and South-South have their head office in Enugu.

    “We’ll now be having three zonal meetings with the NEC at the centre. This arrangement is to ensure our activities get to the grassroots. We’ll embrace as many as are willing to join us.”

    Responding, Okpalaezeukwu appreciated Okeke-Ogene for his invaluable advice borne out of love for the youths, assuring him of his members’ readiness to contribute their quota towards a united Ohaneze.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze honours Metchie for peace, security, growth, others

    On his part, the Grand patron of Ohaneze youths, Johnbosco Onunkwo described Okeke-Ogene as an engine room and encyclopedia of Igbo culture, and tradition, who had contributed immensely to developmental strides in Nigeria.

    He announced a donation of N5 million to Ohaneze youths in Anambra State by his Foundation for environmentally friendly research aimed at protecting the state from natural disasters.

    He also disclosed that 500 youths were to benefit from the skills acquisition scheme of the Foundation targeted at pulling youths in the area out of crime.

    He vowed to do everything possible to ensure youths were reasonably and responsibly positioned to contribute to national development.

  • Ohanaeze honours Metchie for peace, security, growth, others

    Ohanaeze honours Metchie for peace, security, growth, others

    For promoting peace, security and growth in Umueri Community in Anambra East Local government and its environs, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, has honoured the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), Ambassador John Metchie, as the ‘Best President General’ (PG) for the year, 2023.

    Metchie, who is away in Germany with his wife Lolo Linda Metchie attending a United Nations Programme on world peace, was elected the President General of Umueri Community in Anambra State in 2022.

    Presenting the award at the weekend, the Chairman, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra East Local Government Area chapter, Dr. Marcel Molokwu, said  Metchie was chosen in recognition of his performance as President General of Umueri community, barely one year and few months in the office.

    The award ceremony took place during the inauguration of the new executive of the body at the secretariat of Anambra East Local Government Area.

    Molokwu listed what he said were a few of the numerous achievements of the Umueri PG including attracting state, national and international attention to the once-sleeping community, provision of modern security architecture in Umueri and environs, construction of markets, roads, culverts and many other developmental strides in the area.

    He said Metchie’s tenure as Umueri PG has recorded the most peaceful period in terms of the relationship between the community and its neighbours including Aguleri and others, adding that he has used his wide contacts to attract a lot of projects from the administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, especially the upgrading, renovation and equipping of Umueri General Hospital as well as the presence of international agencies including UNESCO and the Red Cross, particularly during the national flood disaster.

    Molokwu said the fact that traditional rulers from many towns across Anambra East and some from other parts of the state, were present to witness the award ceremony speaks volumes of the respect Metchie attracts from far and near, adding that the Umueri PG has become a shining example and worthy of emulation.

    Molokwu, who sent a goodwill message to the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, commended Chief Metchie for empowering women, youths, widows, orphans and other members of Umueri community, providing solar power to over 150 households through his Light-Up Umueri project as well as running an all-inclusive administration in the community.

    Apart from Chief Metchie, other personalities that were honoured at the ceremony include Barrister C.J Chinwuba who received Community Service Excellence Award and Lolo Mrs. Teresa Nkeonye Ahumaraeze awarded Exemplary Administrator of the year award.

    Read Also: Why we passed vote of confidence on Iwuanyanwu – Ohanaeze youths

    Among the traditional rulers that attended the event which was chaired by Chief Obi Chukuemekalum are H.R.M Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka, the Oke -Ebo II of Umueri, HRM. Dr. Mike Indigo, Igwe Aguleri, Eze Udo 1, HRM, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia (Ochiagha) Igwe Eziagulu Otu Aguleri and HRM Igwe Sir GO Ekwealor Oba –Agu 11 of Umuoba Anam.

    Reacting to the gesture, Metchie, in a statement thanked Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide for honouring him, saying it was a challenge and motivation to work harder and do more for the people of Umueri, Anambra State and humanity at large.

    He is also the Prime Minister, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) as well as the Deputy Commander General (DCG) of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in charge of Technical Service.

  • Why we passed vote of confidence on Iwuanyanwu – Ohanaeze youths

    Why we passed vote of confidence on Iwuanyanwu – Ohanaeze youths

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has passed vote of confidence on the leadership of Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    The youths also reaffirmed their resolve and commitment to end “Sit at Home” in Southeast.

    Rising from the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting with Ohaneze PG in Owerri Imo State, the group in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chika Adiele, described as promising Iwuanyanwu’s convincing New Agenda for visible and sustainable development and economic growth of Igbo Nation.

    It also endorsed the appointment of Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu as its Acting National Youth Leader pending due process of electing a substantive National Youth Leader from Ebonyi State.

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    The statement reads in part, “We pass a vote of confidence, solidarity, and support to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by His Excellency Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    “For the promising efforts so far and other convincing New Agenda for visible and sustainable development and economic growth of the Igbo Nation, we, therefore, pledge absolute allegiance and fealty.

    “We reaffirm our resolve and commitment to end “Sit at Home” in South East, as a matter of peculiar regional concerns ranging from violence, insecurity and economic decadence.

    “We commend all efforts towards mitigating these challenges, and shall not rest on our oars until peace and security is restored in South East and Nigeria at large.

    “We acknowledge and appreciate the necessity of unity and sincerity of purpose for the success and progress of any given polity.

    “Therefore, all hands must be on deck in order to ensure that Ndigbo across the globe shall continue to give Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide every necessary support in all matters of National & international importance, especially as it concerns Ala-Igbo.

  • Appoint Yerima into your cabinet, Ohanaeze Youths beg Tinubu

    Appoint Yerima into your cabinet, Ohanaeze Youths beg Tinubu

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has called for the inclusion of the national president, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima into President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. 

    The group described Shettima as a unifying figure for all the youth organisations in the country,  saying that he would represent all shades of interests. 

    The Igbo youths made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike.

    Okwu said for several years now, Shettima has used his wealth of experience and great interpersonal relationship skill to douse tension across the country by always reaching out to the various youths during periods of crisis. 

    He said: “He has overtime devoted his life to the service of the country by championing peace and unity at all times. 

    “Alhaji Shettima, as the Board of Trustees, BoT, Chairman, Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Organisations, is one person who has effectively galvanised the various ethnic nationalities youth organisation, through which he always quells tension and disagreements among the various Nigerian societies. 

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    “His undying passion for the unity and development of the country has been quite visible and dates back to the days of the Military era,” Okwu stated.

    Ohanaeze youths, while urging President Tinubu to consider the Arewa Youth leader, noted that his inclusion into the federal cabinet would accommodate the interest of the various youth groups in the country.

    Okwu stated: “He is a mobilizer, a leader par excellence, and has the wherewithal to rally round all the restive youths in the country and make sure their feelings are assuaged. 

    “We have no doubt about his capacity; we assure Mr President that this is one decision he will not regret.”

  • Make Igbo compulsory in schools, says Ohanaeze

    Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo cultural organisation has urged the Anambra State House of Assembly to enact law to make Igbo language a compulsory subject in all primary and secondary schools in the state.

    The Anambra State chairman of the body, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said this in Awka at the grand finale of Igbo quiz competition organised by Otu Igbo Adigo for all primary schools in the state.

    He regretted the steady decline of Igbo language among the people of the area, describing the trend as a serious threat to their root and identify.

    He said making the subject compulsory in all primary and secondary schools would save the language from going into extinction.

    He said: “Igbo people are experiencing a gradual decline in the use of their mother language and culture.

    “Enacting law that will make Igbo language a compulsory subject in all primary and secondary schools in the state will go a long way to checkmate the trend.”

    Also speaking, Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Chief Patrick Ugboaja pledged the board’s readiness to partner Otu Igbo Adigo group in its quest in promoting Igbo language.

    He called on teachers and parents to encourage children to speak the language with pride at home, in schools, worship centres and other places to enable it assume its rightful position in Nigeria.

    On his part, Head, Department of Linguistics Igbo, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Dr. Obiageli Nsolibe, explained that the Igbo quiz competition would inculcate the culture of Igbo language in the pupils.

    She added that her department had Igbo books for use at different class levels to promote and preserve the language.

    Earlier, the President, Otu Igbo Adigo, Lady Jane Chukwujindu, said the competition was targeted at rekindling and sustaining children interest in Igbo language.

    “We need to do something urgently before Igbo language will go into extinction within the next 50 years as predicted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

  • Fire razes home of Ohanaeze’s deputy speaker

    The Enugu home of the deputy spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, was gutted by fire on Sunday afternoon.

    The fire burnt the entire building as efforts by the Enugu and federal fire service to quell it were not successful.

    Read Also: Enugu CP urges commercial drivers to be ambassadors of anti-corruption

    The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and Ibegbu has appealed for help from well meaning Igbo and Nigerians, including the political and philanthropic leaders.

  • Miyetti Allah: Presidency replies Ohanaeze

    The Presidency yesterday described as  ‘absolute falsehood’ the allegation that the Federal Government gave N100billion to Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders, for ‘dubious reasons’.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity who was responding to comments credited to Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere said: “We are pleased that Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo found our insights worthy of attention even when they disagreed with our view that they, as socio-cultural associations, represent same interests as Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders.

    “Miyetti Allah, like any other trade, community, ethnic organization or interest group is a legal stakeholder in our nation and should be respected.

    “We maintain that the government needs to engage all stakeholders and seek partnership in building our country.

    “The activities of Miyetti Allah do not benefit selected ethnicities or Muslims only, but everyone.

    “Long before petroleum became the core of Nigerian economy, agriculture was the main source of Nigerian wealth. Cattle, hides and skin were a major part of Nigerian export.

    Read also: Garba Shehu on Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Miyetti Allah

    “It is right to state that there are criminals among every group in Nigeria and in every country. There are criminals among the northern population as there are in the southern part of the country.

    “It is not good to generalise blame. The government will engage each stakeholder and create dialogue between, and among, different groups.”

    Shehu, therefore, maintained that both socio-cultural groups should not have insisted that government should not talk to Miyetti Allah.

    He added that the meeting was necessitated by “the need to address and engage Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, cultural and economic plurality that was evident when General Yakubu Gowon introduced National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    “The need to engage all groups of Nigeria is as much relevant today as it was then.”

  • APGA chairmanship: Ohanaeze youths blast Oye

    The Ohanaeze Youths Council (OYV) has berated National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Oye for allegedly insisting that Anambra State must retain the chairmanship position after his tenure.

    It described Oye’s position as avarice and an attempt to destroy the party.

    A statement yesterday by its President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, called for the immediate restructuring of the party “else it goes into extinction”.

    The statement reads: “The current proclamation of Victor Oye is at variance with the party’s slogan which is “Onye ahala Nwanneya (Be your Brother’s Keeper), which Oye conspired with his co-travellers to change to “nka bu ka Anyi” (this is our own).

    “Does it truly mean that this party, formed by the Igbo, is now the sole property of Anambra people, or does it mean that other Igbo and Nigerians who have paid the price to build APGA are now slaves to Anambra State?

    “OYC calls for the immediate restructuring of APGA, or it will stand the risk of losing Anambra governorship in 2021 and 2023, as we will raise the consciousness of Nigerians and Igbo that there’s evil conspiracy to use APGA to defraud Nigerians.

    “We call for the re-zoning of National Chairman to Abia or Ebonyi States, or any other state in Nigeria, as Abia had a bad experience in the pioneer Chairman, Chekwas Okorie. We beg all and sundry to resist this evil conspiracy or face the wrath of Igbo nation. We will not allow any form of

  • Ohanaeze youths canvass for Igbo House of Reps Speaker

    The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against side-lining the Igbo in the sharing of principal offices of the National Assembly.

    Ohanaeze Youths said: “It is a big insult and an affront to the Igbo nation that the Southeast is not in the consideration of APC for any key principal position in the Ninth National Assembly leadership.”

    The group spoke through its Deputy National Youth Leader, Dr. Kingsley Dozie.

    It frowned at the non-inclusion of the Southeast on the list of zones to produce the presiding officers for the Ninth National Assembly.

    Ohanaeze Youths said it was aware that the APC leadership, backed by the Presidency, had endorsed Senator Ahmed Lawan (Northeast) for Senate President and Femi Gbajabiamila (Southwest) for the Speaker House of Representatives.

    It added: “We query the justification in zoning the presiding officers of the National Assembly to regions that already have a fair share.

    “We contend that since the President and Vice-President came from the North and the Southwest, justice and equity demand that either the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives should come from the Southeast.

    “Since APC has already zoned the Senate Presidency to the Northeast and the Deputy to the Southsouth, the Southeast should be allowed to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “If they say we have no ranking senator from their party, will they also say we don’t have qualified APC members in the House of Representatives, where one of them is returned for the fourth term in the name of Mrs Onyejeocha?

    “Nigeria stands on the tripod of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, hence the distribution of political offices should reflect this equilibrium without excluding any tribe.

    “APC’s orchestrated plans to exclude the Southeast from the Nigerian Project and power bloc will be resisted and any attempt to relegate Ndigbo to the background would not succeed.

    “The Ndigbo are not visitors in Nigeria and not second class in the Nigerian Project. We cannot be treated as such. We are not slaves and can never be. Nigeria belongs to us all and this is a fact everybody must learn to live with.

    “We urge members of the National Assembly to cede the Speakership position to the South East to foster unity and National cohesion.”

    Also, the member representing Estako Federal Constituency in Edo State, Johnson Oghuma, has said the next Speaker of the House of Representatives will come from the South.

    Oghuma, who was re-elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said there was no need exchanging fireworks with the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the ruling party has the numbers to produce the Speaker.

    The lawmaker addressed reporters in Auchi after distributing empowerment items to 800 residents of his constituency.

    He said the Eighth National Assembly dominated by the PDP was an obstacle to the Executive, thereby frustrating developmental plans of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Oghuma said the incoming Ninth National Assembly will ensure harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature to fast-track good governance for the Nigerians.

    He said: “Nigerian should expect things to be different this time round. You know it is not too long that I went to the House. I was voted into the National Assembly in February 17, 2017. I discovered that members of my party at the Senate and the House of Representatives were problems to the APC-led government at the centre.

    “The Ninth Assembly will collaborate with the Executive. Our role is complementary. No one is an island. We are supposed to work together to give the desire results that Nigerians are yearning for. Our people are suffering.

    “President Buhari meant so well for our people; he is not stealing our money. He believes that the people should have what they are entitled to. That is why we will support him and the Judiciary to succeed.”

    He said beneficiaries have received training in fishery, tailoring, welding, solar power repairs and installation, cosmetology, CCTV installation and repairs, as well as aluminium fabrication.