In this interview with, President -General of United Market Leaders and Traders Association of Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Chief C.F.C. Obih (Ugoabata), he speaks on various issues, includes his group, Nigeria challenge and others.
What are critical issues your group are focusing for now?
By the grace of God, we are doing our best as a group. It is very important to note that as the former President General of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee (LACEC), Mushin, Lagos, from 2008 to 2010, it gives me the required experience, I need to lead any group in Nigeria. I started as a Secretary, and two term Chairman of my unit, called Odo-Aladura line, before I emerged as the President -General of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee (LACEC), and by the grace of God, I did my best to ensure that all members are benefiting from the association one way or the other. Also, the same is going on, in this group. Members are benefiting one thing or the other , with my connections, activities of the group.
Some people are of opinion that your group don’t have an office, because you do hold your meetings in Meal and Events, 1 Nwachukwu drive in Okota area of Lagos?
We have a befitting office at H25 Atinuke Shopping Plaze near to Meal and Event Centre, Okota .
As Executive member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, how do you received the news of the passed away of the Worldwide President -General of Ohanaeze of Ndigbo, Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyawu?
It was shock news to me and to other members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Largos, because Chief Iwuanyanwu has contributed so much towards Nigeria progress, development, economically, politically and otherwise. I pray that the Lord will accept his soul and console his family his left behind. Also the Ndigbo general, because an elephant has fallen. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Ndigbo particularly to learn from late Chief Iwuanyanwu believe in the unity of this county. He loves Nigeria too much and it shows during his life time.
Is your association membership limited to only Ndigbo ?
It is opened to every Nigerian. Presently, our Financial Secretary is a Yoruba Woman, other tribes are members. We are working for the interest of Nigerians. Because it is not only the Igbos are in the markets. They’re many Nigerians in the trading and as a group, is to support each other.
What is your opinion on the upcoming protest tagged, ‘Protest Against Bad Governance in Nigeria”?
I really want to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience with our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What is happening in Nigeria , in terms of the economy, is a global thing. The current administration needs time and I know, thing will get better soon. On the protest, we should not forget in hurry, the Endsars experience. That Endsars protest caused a lot of damages to the nation and individuals. Hoodlums took over the protest and destroyed many things, includes, government infrastructure, and private properties was as well destroyed. I don’t want such to repeat itself in Nigeria again. I can tell you, that we are still suffering for that, because most of those things destroyed, have not been repaired or rebuilt. I am appealing to Nigerians to exercise patience with this administration, under the leadership of President Tinubu. He is a man of the masses and in due time, he will resolve all these challenges facing the nation. I am very sure, he has plans and he is working very hard to tackle the economy, security challenges.
Noble Merit Venture is one of the businesses , your association is partnering with and how has it been?
I want to commend the management of the Noble Merit Venture, because they are doing very well. Our partnership with them, is a good thing that happened to us as a group. Their contributions towards humanity is unmeasurable. I want to use opportunity to appeal to the leadership of Noble Merit Venture to continue on their good job they are doing.
One of your members, Comrade Emeka Onyema was honoured with a gift of IPad tablet phone from Trisonet Group, and what it your message to the company?
I appreciated the management of Trisonet Group for encouraging, one of us, Comrade Emeka Onyema by giving him IPad tablet phone, and it is important to note that, I myself have benefited a lot from them. Also other of our members have benefited from the company support and gifts. I want to appeal to my members to please go out, to tell people about the good job of Trisonet company. They are doing a lot of good to Nigerians, including supporting children education, the needy and I know by grace of God, before the end of this year, that over 50 members of my association will benefit from the Laptop gift.
We saw some dignitaries who were present, include, the first President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state, Chief John Uche, and others, what would have attracted them to the association?
Let me quickly say this, every Igbo man or woman is a business person, include our governors and ministers. Also the Presidential candidates of Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi and People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, are businesses people, as well as other important personalities in Nigeria. So trading or business is not limited to only our group or tribe or class of people.