From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has extended a warm welcome to President Bola Tinubu as he visits Enugu State today.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, and made available to journalists on Friday.
Ohanaeze expressed optimism about the Federal Government’s evolving relationship with the Igbo and reiterated its call for equity and justice as foundations for national unity and development.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Ozichukwu Chukwu, lauded recent federal initiatives favouring the South East, including the inauguration of the South East Development Commission. The Ohanaeze PG also commended the appointments of key Igbo figures, such as Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff and Senator David Umahi as Minister of Works.
Chukwu expressed hope that President Tinubu’s visit would further strengthen ties with the Igbo and urged the President to demonstrate goodwill by facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“Ohanaeze has always maintained that national peace, unity, and sustainable development are products of equity and justice. We trust that this visit will mark a new chapter in the relationship between the Federal Government and the Igbo people,” the statement read.
The group also commended Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his transformative infrastructural projects, including the Enugu International Conference Centre, Smart Schools Initiative, hospital upgrades, and the revival of state-owned enterprises, such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas.
Ohanaeze further commended the governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, for his leadership of the South East Governors Forum and his role in facilitating the installation of night landing equipment at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.