IGBERE INDIGENES IN LAGOS UNITE FOR DEVELOPMENT
It was joy and celebration when recently sons and daughters of Igbere, Abia State witnessed the swearing in of their new leaders in Lagos.
The new leaders of the Igbere Welfare Union would handle the affairs of the association for the next three years.
At the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) building, Yaba, Lagos, it was joy as eminent personalities of the town graced the occasion.
Other associations from neighbouring towns also joined the celebration including the Bende Union, Igbere Welfare Union Women's Wing, Lagos, Togo and Cotonou branches, the chairmen of all communities and age grades of the area.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chinaso Uche, thanked the audience for being part of the function. In his address, he charged the new executive of the union to discharge its duties with the fear of God, adding that leadership is a call to service. He advised them to always ask questions when the need arises.
The climax of the event was the swearing in of the new executives. The team that will pilot the Igbere affair in Lagos include Comrade Godswill Okorie, President, Mr. Ifeanyi Ohakwe, first Vice President, Mr. Augustine Orji Ezeudo, second Vice President, Hon. Emenike Victor Anyaogu, General Secretary, Mr. Ukonu Ukonu, Financial Secretary, Elder Oji Onyeike Ogwo, Treasurer, Mr. Kalu James Agbai, Social Secretary, Mr. Ogala Uwakwe, first Vice Social Secretary, Elder Ikechukwu Okorie, second Vice Social Secretary, and Mr. Emeka Adile, Public Relations Officer.
Thereafter the past president of the union, Mazi Uche O. Uche handed over the symbol of authority of the union to the newly sworn in President with cheers and admiration.
Speaking at the occasion, Comrade Okorie described the election that brought them to power as a unique one. He noted that it served as a landmark in the history of the union in which people who wish to serve were given the opportunity to indicate their interest for different offices. He gave credit to the immediate past administration, who in their wisdom, appointed men of integrity as electoral members, led by Chief J. O. Elechi, Ike-Oha 1 of Igbere, and assisted by Wing Commander Emmanuel Ukaegbu and Pastor Samuel Nyama. He said these honourable men exhibited their wealth of wisdom in adopting a process that gave birth to the new administration.
The president therefore, pledged to ensure that there is transparent leadership and peaceful coexistence, accountability and prudence in all activities, welfare and financial empowerment of members, acquisition of landed property for the union in Lagos.
He also pledged an educational trust fund for the award of scholarship as well as educational loan and grants to interested members and natives of the town, a scheme he vowed would be managed under an efficient administration.
His other visions include the building of a website and a comprehensive data of Igbere people in Lagos, projecting and restoring the integrity of the town among its neighbouring communities, participating in all political movement in Lagos, respect for elders and individual achievement.
He said, 'We cannot achieve all these when there is no peace. We therefore, appeal to all to give peace a chance. Those who may have been offended in one way or the other in the past, should please accept our apology and join us to rebuild Igbere.'
In a chat with Saturday Sun , Mr. Augustine Ezeudo explained that the union was established to cater for the welfare of sons and daughters of Igbere. He said the association has been in existence since 1959, adding that it has played a vital role in uniting the indigenes of the area.
Other dignitaries of Igbere who were at the function include the former military administrator of Anambra State, Wing Commander Emmanuel Ukaegbu, Chief and Lolo J.O Elechi, O. N Chukwu, Mrs. Chinonyerem Uche, Chief Chinwenordey Awa, Chief Emma Uche, Chief (Mrs.) Michael Uwakwe Esse, Mazi Uche O. Uche, Chief John Mekwa, among others.