By National Newsblast
Ogbako Ndi Igbo Nile, an Igbo-centric non-governmental, non-political, non-profit organisation, inaugurated His Excellency, Major-General C R U. Ihekire, (Rtd), OMC-Rwanda, JP as the National Leader and Patron, Owerri Senatorial District at Government Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State in Nigeria’s South East region on Sunday 10th November, 2024.The event began with an opening address by the State Chairman of the organisation, High Chief Silas O. Egbe (JP) who congratulated attendees for being opportuned to be part of a historic event that would usher in a new progressive dawn for the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria’s South East, South-South and Middle Belt regions.
This was followed by a speech by the National President of the organization, His Excellency, Ambassador Azunna Akpaelu, PhD who warned that the organization is non-political and therefore, any member found playing politics with the name of the organization would be expelled.In a brief lecture thereafter on leadership and restructuring with regards to Ogbako Ndi Igbo Nile, Major-General Ihekire, who is the Chairman of Retired Army, Navy, Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Imo State Chapter, revealed that the organization would protect the collective interest of the Igbo people who are in 13 states of Nigeria as opposed to the misinformation that the Igbo are only settled in 7 states of Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech after the inauguration, Ihekire assured the members that he would do his best to assist in championing the cause of the Igbo in the Nigerian scheme of affairs.
Speaking in the same vein after his inauguration, HRH Eze F M.I. Akanno, Patron from Nkwerre Ancient Kingdom in Orlu Senatorial District, said he accepted to serve because he was impressed with the pedigree of the leaders of the organization who stand for truth, justice and fairness without fear or favour.Aligning himself with Ihekire and Akanno, Sir Nick Okorie, a Regent King from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Okigwe Senatorial District, said his inquiries about those involved in ONN convinced him to accept to be a Patron.
Others inaugurated at the event were Imo State Executives and Local Government Area Coordinators and their Executives.Personalities present at the event were Prof. Ngozi Okereke, Colonel Prof. Reginald Oputa (Rtd), Colonel Benjamin C. Muoneke, (Rtd) Chief Ihemdavis, Dr. Ben Kamalu of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Chief Patrick Ukaegbu aka “Marokwe”, Ada Ikeduru, Chief Esther Madu, Captain C. Nwosu (Rtd), Captain C. Ekeh (Rtd), Engr. Mrs. Ijeoma Ohahuna whose four year-old daughter, Chika presented the certificate of inauguration to Ihekire, Chief Jude Opara, among others.