At 2nd Assembly in Alimosho, Okafor unveils vision for new secretariat, insurance for members, and empowerment for youths and widows
By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Ndigbo in Lagos are witnessing a new dawn.
Since High Chief Leonard Okafor assumed office as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, the organization has moved from years of fragmentation to a period of unity, visibility, and purposeful leadership.
This was evident at the 2nd Assembly Meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos held at Abesan, Alimosho, which recorded a massive turnout of Igbo sons and daughters. The event also drew respected traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders — a clear sign that Ohanaeze under Okafor is regaining its rightful place.
LEADERSHIP BUILT ON PROMISES AND INCLUSIVITY
High Chief Okafor believes that a great leader must not only keep campaign promises, but must also accommodate former contestants for the good of all.
That philosophy, he said, is behind the renewed energy in Ohanaeze today.
“There is nothing like magic,” he told journalists at the event. “It is a vision we developed. A vision of bringing our people together and showing them that in unity we can do a lot, even here in Lagos. Now Igbo people will speak in one voice.”
He noted that politicians are now taking Ndigbo seriously.
“You can see politicians came. We are not begging. They will come for us. They will come and meet us. We will talk from a position of strength.”
TAKING OHANAEZE TO THE GRASSROOTS
In a strategic move, the President disclosed that Ohanaeze meetings will now rotate across Local Governments in Lagos to carry everyone along.
“Ohanaeze is not just a secretariat office. Ohanaeze is in the local government, in the grassroots. That is why we are here today in Alimosho,” he explained.
“This will give us confidence that we can discuss and act in one voice. We don’t want a situation where Mr. A is going right and Mr. B is going left. Within the next one month, by God’s grace, Ndigbo in Lagos will also have a new secretariat.”
WELFARE FIRST: INSURANCE, YOUTH AND THE VULNERABLE
High Chief Okafor also unveiled plans to introduce an insurance policy for Ohanaeze members in Lagos.
“We are working on the modalities so that when we launch, it will be impactful. It is not only about death benefits. We want to support our people while they are alive, to live well and with dignity,” he said.
On the challenge of jobless youths, widows and the less-privileged, he assured that it is top on the agenda. “We will discuss it very soon and roll out empowerment programs that will lift our people.”
A CALL TO ACTION
The President’s message to Ndigbo in Lagos was simple but powerful: “Come out enmass. Things are okay. As we continue to speak with one voice, we are stronger. Together, we will do great things to improve the lives of Ndigbo in Lagos State.”
WHO WAS WHO AT THE EVENT
The assembly was graced by prominent Igbo leaders including High Chief Sunday Udeh President General Igbo Speaking Community;, Nna Ndigbo of Lagos State Chief Livinus Okwara, Eze Dr. Sir Ephraim Nnaemeka, Eze Ndigbo Aboru; Eze Chris Anyigor, Ezeudo Aboru; Eze Boniface Oparaku; Eze Chikadioba; Eze Emmanuel Okpara; Onyendu Peter Umeh; Eze Lawrence Nnamdi; Prophetess Adaobi Favour; Ichie Anselm Njoku, Eze Christian Nwachukwu, Eze Nicholas Njoku, Eze Aloysious Ahize, Chief Henry Imo, Nwahiri Agujiegbe I of Amakohia; Okenze I of Ejigbo Lagos, Nze Imo (Double Chief) and many other stakeholders.
Conclusively, the emergence of High Chief Leonard Okafor has brought more than a change of leadership to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos. It has brought vision, unity, and direction.
With plans for a new secretariat, a welfare insurance scheme, and grassroots mobilization already in motion, Ohanaeze under his watch is not just surviving — it is moving to stardom.
Ndigbo, the future is bright!