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By Merit Ibe
An entrepreneur, Chief Livinus Okwara, has been named father of the Igbo in Diaspora (Nnandigbo Worldwide).
The formal investiture will take place on September 14th at the Union Bank Sports Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos, with a church service at 8.00a.m while the coronation starts by 10.00a.m.
The title will be conferred on Okwara by President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, according to President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, Solomon Aguene, the host.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the special guest at the coronation with other dignitaries and Igbo representatives from Nigeria and other parts of the world.
In his response, Okwara, formerly Nna Ndigbo Lagos and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said he accepted the position because he is proud to be an Igbo man, adding, “So it’s my responsibility to ensure that no matter what it is, I must always have that identity and be proud of it.”
He noted that the title is first of its kind and that the position comes with the belief that the Igbo man must progress and continue to improve even as a traveller. And that’s an identity that the Igbo man carries everywhere. They say, anywhere you go and you do not find an Igbo man, run from that area. So, that is the identity an Igbo man must always protect.”
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On how he intends to leverage his experience, wealth and influence to support and empower the Igbo in Nigeria and Diaspora, Okwara promised to create employment, give financial support and advice when needed.
He also said he will create liaison offices abroad where any Igbo man can always go and get answers to questions and succour when in need.
He advised the Igbo to be patient and not to be over ambitious to remain successful.
“The Igbo should not over exaggerate, should not be too ambitious, be as simple as possible, don’t overreach your ability. All Igbo should be patient anywhere they find themselves because with patience, you can make huge progress in life.
“ There will be liaison offices in different countries of the world, where Igbo in diaspora can always access solutions and survival strategies in the land where they find themselves.”
Aguene said Okwara’s ideas and love for the growth of the Igbo man motivated the title, noting that through his company, Rimax Group, has created employment for many youths.
“ All of his ideas are for the growth and success of the Igbo, both home and abroad. So by this title, he will attach it to his legacies and achievements.
The Igbo should be proud of him as a successful business man, who has impacted lives through his philanthropic lifestyle. His profile is rich, he is vast in Igbo and Nigeria history. So, while he’s alive, let us appreciate and celebrate him.”
