Hon. Okechukwu Umeh was on Saturday sworn in as the new President of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter.

The inauguration which also witnessed the swearing in of other executive members was done at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Speaking with the newsmen, the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of Nigeria and Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who was a special guest of honour on the occasion, said: “The coming together of the Igbo community in Oyo State has taken us a while, but we thank God that we are able to come up with the inauguration of the Onanaeze of the Igbo in Oyo State.

Ogundoyin stated that all ethnic groups, and all indigenous people of the state are very important to the government. He added: “Today is the day for the Igbos. That is why we are talking about the Igbos. For other ceremonies that other ethnic groups will be involved in, you will equally see the Oyo State Government represented there and ensure that there is unity within those ethnic groups as well.

“So we are happy to work with everybody that brings more development to Oyo State, a state that accommodates all. And then we call on even more people that are outside that can bring value to Oyo State to come to Oyo State.”

In his remark, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Chisco Group of Companies, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, the Okeiyi Amichi, made advocacy for unity among Igbo community in the state.

He also has advice to the new president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, “The most important thing is to organise the Igbos and recognise the interest of Indigbo, especially making the Igbos to be a one unit and be peaceful as much as you can. It is only with peace you can achieve whatever you want to achieve or whatever Igbo want to achieve in future.

Chairman of the inauguration ceremony, Chief Emeka Okoli, the Ogbuefi Nzeako Na Obi, in his address, noted that the inauguration of the new executive for the organisation in the state brought renewed hope for unity, cultural preservation, and political engagement for Ndi Igbo in the state.

“We remain a major economic and social force, contributing to trade education and industry. With better leadership, stronger political engagement and continued cultural preservation, the Igbo Community in Oyo State can achieve greater influence and property.”

Sir. Okechukwu Umeh, the newly inaugurated president, said the election that produced the new executive was conducted on December 14, 20224. He promised that the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state would ensure unity among the Ndigbo, the hosts and other ethnic groups in the state. He added that the organisation would work with Governor Seyi Makinde to move the state forward.

“I want to tell my people to embrace love. Love will always give rise to peace. And where there is peace, is where you have progress. So, I am pleading with my brothers that everybody should shed their swords. Whatever grievances they have, they should come together. Let us have a platform so that we can synergise and come together as brothers so that we move forward and progress in Oyo State,” Umeh stated.

Hon. Okechukwu Umeh was on Saturday sworn in as the new President of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter.

The inauguration which also witnessed the swearing in of other executive members was done at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Speaking with the newsmen, the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of Nigeria and Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who was a special guest of honour on the occasion, said: “The coming together of the Igbo community in Oyo State has taken us a while, but we thank God that we are able to come up with the inauguration of the Onanaeze of the Igbo in Oyo State.

Ogundoyin stated that all ethnic groups, and all indigenous people of the state are very important to the government. He added: “Today is the day for the Igbos. That is why we are talking about the Igbos. For other ceremonies that other ethnic groups will be involved in, you will equally see the Oyo State Government represented there and ensure that there is unity within those ethnic groups as well.

“So we are happy to work with everybody that brings more development to Oyo State, a state that accommodates all. And then we call on even more people that are outside that can bring value to Oyo State to come to Oyo State.”

In his remark, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Chisco Group of Companies, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, the Okeiyi Amichi, made advocacy for unity among Igbo community in the state.

He also has advice to the new president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, “The most important thing is to organise the Igbos and recognise the interest of Indigbo, especially making the Igbos to be a one unit and be peaceful as much as you can. It is only with peace you can achieve whatever you want to achieve or whatever Igbo want to achieve in future.

Chairman of the inauguration ceremony, Chief Emeka Okoli, the Ogbuefi Nzeako Na Obi, in his address, noted that the inauguration of the new executive for the organisation in the state brought renewed hope for unity, cultural preservation, and political engagement for Ndi Igbo in the state.

“We remain a major economic and social force, contributing to trade education and industry. With better leadership, stronger political engagement and continued cultural preservation, the Igbo Community in Oyo State can achieve greater influence and property.”

Sir. Okechukwu Umeh, the newly inaugurated president, said the election that produced the new executive was conducted on December 14, 20224. He promised that the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state would ensure unity among the Ndigbo, the hosts and other ethnic groups in the state. He added that the organisation would work with Governor Seyi Makinde to move the state forward.

“I want to tell my people to embrace love. Love will always give rise to peace. And where there is peace, is where you have progress. So, I am pleading with my brothers that everybody should shed their swords. Whatever grievances they have, they should come together. Let us have a platform so that we can synergise and come together as brothers so that we move forward and progress in Oyo State,” Umeh stated.