News
29 September 2009
At the special invitation of the President General Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo UK were represented by the President Chief (Dr) Ejikeme Uzoalor, Assistant President Chief Greg Agwunobi, Treasurer Chief Chinedu Nwosu and Ex-General Secretary Onowu Amaechi Nwaenie.
In keeping with one of the prime objectives of supporting the Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Nigeria, the United Kingdom Chapter of the organisation sent four delegates to the Igbo Day Celebration in Owerri, Imo State in Nigeria. I am proud to state that the delegates were volunteers who bore the full cost of their return trip to Owerri.The delegates which included Chief (Dr.) E.E.Uzoalor President, Chief Greg Agwunobi Assistant President, Chief Chinedu Nwosu Treasurer; Onowu Amaechi Nwaenie, immediate past General Secretary were generously received by the President General (PG); Amb. Raph Uwaechue.
On arriving in Owerri on the 28th of September, the UK delegates held their first meeting at the Concord Hotel with the President General. After exchanging pleasantries, the UK delegates were introduced to the PG, after which all the documents detailing the conduct of the last elections and the history of Ohanaeze UK were handed to the PG. Chief Raph Uwechue expressed his delight at the hitch-free elections and wished the UK chapter every success in the smooth transition from one administration to another. The PG then briefed the delegates about the preparations for the Igbo day celebrations and the role expected of the UK chapter. The President General also expressed his appreciation that United Kingdom was able to send delegates to the Igbo day celebrations.
Among other issues discussed were the mode of communication and co-operation between Ohanaeze Nigeria and Ohanaeze UK. These include the exchange of official information on all matters of mutual interest to Ohanaeze Nigeria and UK, the sharing of bilateral data on strategic issues relating to Ohanaeze worldwide. The President General then unveiled his ambitious but impressive programme of setting up a charity fund where every Igbo man and woman would contribute to projects that would be beneficial to the whole Igbo nation. The idea is to make everyone a proud stakeholder in the Igbo national project.The UK delegation further informed Chief Uwaechue about the agenda of the Igbo Convention planned for September 2010 in London. The theme, of the Conference, according to leader of the UK delegation; Dr. E. E Uzoalor would be around the Development of Igbo people and the Igbo nation. Part of the discussions also touched on possible invitees from Nigeria and abroad.
The President General assured the UK delegates of his support and presence at the proposed 2010 Convention. He also informed the delegates of his burning desire to meet with Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in the UK and to hold further discussions on areas of co-operations during his next trip to the United Kingdom.
During the Igbo Day Celebrations on the 29th September 2009, the UK delegates were introduced one after the other to the teeming crowd, and were seated at the VIP stand in the stadium. The ceremony proceeded magnificently and was well attended by delegates from the 7 Igbo States of Nigeria and had full attendance of MASSOB and Ralph Uwazurike. The well constructed President General's key note address which covered every aspect of the plight of the Igbo man in Nigeria received a rapturous applause.
After the event the UK delegates had a further meeting with the President General Uwechue at the Concord Hotel Owerri. The delegates used the opportunity to express their delight and gratitude for the conduct of the Igbo day celebrations and the success of the events of the day. Finally, Chief Uwaechue thanked the UK delegates for coming all the way from London to grace the Igbo day celebrations and presented each delegate with his widely read books. The delegates left after a photo shoot with Chief Uwaechue.
Two of delegates arrived safely to London on the 3rd of October 2009 and the other two returned to London on different dates.
CHIEF (DR) E.E.UZOALOR, PRESIDENT, OHANAEZE NDI-IGBO UK
