“Chief Leonard Okafor Is Piloting Ohanaeze Lagos To Stardom” – Ezendigbo Ojo Commends Leadership, Prays For Supporters
By The Unique Model Magazine, Lagos
The 3rd Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Meeting held at the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall, Lagos State University, Ojo Campus, came with pomp, culture and unity. From the women’s dance group that ushered guests into the hall, to the massive turnout, the event wore a different look.
At the center of it was Eze Sir Ferdinand Ikenna Onuegbu, the authentic Ezendigbo of Ojo Local Government Area Lagos, who played a sacrificial role to ensure the meeting succeeded in his domain.
“BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP MATTERS”
In an exclusive interview, Eze Onuegbu opened up on why he threw his weight behind the meeting.
“We Igbo believe that no one should forget his brother. Brotherly relationship matters a lot. The day I heard that it was our turn to host the meeting in Ojo, at Femi Gbajabiamila Hall, LASU Ojo Campus, my heart was gladdened. I made up my mind to participate and support.”
For him, the support was both personal and principled. “It is the right thing to do and to move with love. Chief Leonard Okafor, (Oba Ojoto), is an industrious person. He is a man of integrity. I personally want to support because of my love for Oba Ojoto. I thank Ohanaeze Lagos under his leadership.”
The royal father did not hold back his admiration. “Chief Okafor’s leadership within the short period he mounted the saddle is not comparable to any in the past. He has brought innovation, transformation and ideas that will pilot Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State to stardom. Not only me, we all like his ideas and the manner he is handling Ohanaeze. I strongly believe he will do more towards lifting Lagos Ohanaeze to greater success, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.”
CORDIAL TIES WITH HOST COMMUNITY
As Ezendigbo Ojo for over a decade, Eze Onuegbu described his relationship with the Yoruba host community as very cordial.
“I even invited many of them and they came and participated well with us. We have been staying with them and they now know the type of people we are. We are now like brothers and sisters. No harm. They are for us and we are for them.”
CHALLENGES FACING NDIGBO IN OJO
Despite the peace, the royal father listed key challenges. Top on the list is bad road.
“From Volkswagen to Iyana Bustop, Alaba International Market, both industrial, finance, electronics and furniture businesses are suffering. Alaba is a very big market but we have only one entrance from Volkswagen. Time without number I have pleaded with Lagos State Government to construct additional roads or reconstruct the existing one. Up till now, no positive response. Some customers now prefer going elsewhere instead of staying in traffic. It is affecting traders’ business.”
The second challenge is land. “When people buy land to develop, some will come during foundation, lintel, roofing to demand various fees outside the payment for the land. We are working with authorities to proffer a lasting solution so people can develop their land without disturbance. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.”
ON ROTATION OF OHANAEZE MEETINGS
Chief Leonard Okafor introduced rotation of the monthly meeting across LGAs, and Ojo was the third host. Eze Onuegbu called it a masterstroke.
“I see the rotation as a positive move and it is already receiving positive results. Unlike before when meetings were fixed at one venue and attendance was poor, rotation has brought massive attendance. It is incomparable with the past. It is pulling unexpected crowds, including people from other tribes. After the meeting, those who attended will tell others and those who didn’t will pick interest for the next LGA. That is unity in action.”
IGBO YOUTHS IN OJO: “KEEP THE FLAG FLYING”
On youth conduct, the Eze had only praises.
“I thank Igbo youths in Ojo. The truth is, I have not gotten news of misconduct, no drugs, no cultism, no prostitution. Instead, you will be surprised to see a very small boy who bought half a plot or one plot of land and invites me to bless it. That is the right step. Our youths are industrious, doing well in business and office work. I don’t have advice for them other than to say: keep it up, keep the flag flying. If a person is doing well, you don’t advise, you encourage.”
ADVICE TO CHIEF LEONARD OKAFOR
“What I told the youths is what I will tell Chief Okafor. I have not seen anything he is doing wrong. He is excellent, a very young man with great intelligence and wealth of experience. I only ask him to keep it up and keep going.”
APPRECIATION AND FINAL WORD
Eze Onuegbu poured prayers on everyone who supported the Ojo meeting.
“My prayer for all those who contributed positively to the huge success of the Ojo meeting is that Almighty God will continue to bless them. May God continue to put smiles on their faces.”
He also sent a message to those allegedly working against the current leadership: “They should sheathe their swords and join the moving train under Chief Okafor so that Ohanaeze Ndigbo can get to the highest level.”