Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The 4th Ohanaeze Ndigbo Assembly meeting held at the Federal Housing Authority, Festac, Lagos, brought together various local government chapters, youth wings, women leaders and traders under the leadership of the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, High Chief Leonard Okafor.
One of the participants, Eze Uchenna Dike Innocent from Ota-Awori LCDA, spoke on the significance of the gathering, the leadership qualities of High Chief Okafor, and the need to sustain Igbo unity and culture in Lagos.
Excerpts:
As a participant at this event, can you introduce yourself?
My name is Eze Uchenna Dike Innocent, from Ota-Awori LCDA. I am happy to be here. I came for the meeting to support and see how the meeting is being held in Festac under the leadership of High Chief Leonard Okafor.
How do you feel about what is happening here today?
I am excited. It is not easy to bring Ndigbo together, but I can see he is doing it very well. Everybody is impressed and happy about what is happening here today. I am praying that God Almighty will strengthen Chief Leonard Okafor, give him more wisdom and protection, and bless all Igbo in Lagos, so that we will be united. Without unity, the collective progress of Ndigbo in Lagos will be difficult, and that is what High Chief Leonard Okafor is doing. It shall be well.
What does Ohanaeze Ndigbo mean to you?
Ohanaeze means a lot to me because it is the apex socio-cultural group. It means a lot to me because I am an Igbo man. That is why I love Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
How can we sustain the standard Chief Leonard Okafor is building among Igbos and other tribes?
When you see what is happening now, you will be attracted to queue in because it is a moving train. I know that High Chief Okafor will leave Ohanaeze at an enviable level. I love the administrative prowess of Chief Leonard Okafor, that is why I am queuing in.
What is your personal effort to promote Igbo culture and tradition in Lagos State?
When I took the title of Eze, I knew that I love my culture and tradition. That is why I keyed into supporting culture and tradition even before I became Eze, and I will continue. I also stand strong on what a man can do to bring Ndigbo together in peace.
Your prayers and words of appreciation for all who came for the 4th meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo here in Festac, Lagos?
I pray that God will bless them, promote them, and prosper all that they do in this world, so that they can continue coming for meetings and supporting Igbo progress.
What advice do you have for Chief Leonard Okafor, considering he is doing well?
I will not only advise Chief Leonard Okafor, I will advise Ndigbo as well, so that our children will follow our footsteps. We are working hard now to make Ndigbo proud.
What are your legacies as an Igbo leader and your achievements?
I have been helping people; that is my hobby — to guide and promote people, to do a lot of things that touch human lives, and I am happy putting smiles on people’s faces.
Eze Uchenna Dike Innocent described the 4th Ohanaeze Ndigbo Assembly as a clear testimony to High Chief Leonard Okafor’s capacity to unite Ndigbo across local governments, youth groups, women leaders and the trading community in Lagos.
He expressed confidence that with sustained unity, cultural pride and collective support for the current leadership, Ndigbo in Lagos will continue to grow stronger, leaving a worthy legacy for the younger generation.