The Igbo have been described as hardworking, resourceful, and productive people who are making significant contributions to the growth of the economy of the country.
Wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, extolled the ethnic nation in an address during the Igbo cultural day 2011, celebrated by the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in Ado-Ekiti.
Traditional Igbo title holders and guests across the South-West had converged on Ado-Ekiti to felicitate with the state chapter of the organization.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex body of Igbo cultural organizations established to foster unity and development among the Igbo nation.
The governor’s wife holds the traditional title of Ochiorah (people’s leader) of Imezi Owa, in Ezeagwu local government of Enugu State, which was conferred on her in appreciation of her support for women.
At the event, Erelu Fayemi promised government’s continued support and protection for all persons living within the state, irrespective of their tribe or religion.
She commended Igbo people for their resourcefulness and entrepreneurial prowess all over the world, which she said had enhanced the status and economic growth of the country.
The Ochiorah said,
“If you see four Nigerians gathered together, there has to be at least one or two Igbo among them. Without the great Igbo people among us, Nigeria will not be where it is today.
Igbo people are about the most hardworking, the most dedicated, the most committed, the most entrepreneurial and the most productive people we can find anywhere.
And so it is not a surprise that wherever you (Igbo) go, wherever you call your home, you always earn respect because you work hard and you always have something to show for your hardwork.”
She said that the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration would continue to assist the Igbo and other ethnic races dwelling across the state by mobilising resources to support their enterprises.
After conveying the governor’s desire to assist the state chapter of Ohanaeze towards the construction of its proposed secretariat, she also promised to contribute to the cause of the group.
Thus, she promised to support the women wing of the organisation through the Ekiti Development Foundation; a non-governmental organisation, which she founded.
Appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation, the First Lady advised them to rest on their laurels, adding that they should eschew acts that could cause a breach of the peace in the state.
In his welcome address, the President of the state chapter of Ohanaeze, Prince Nathaniel Uzomah, promised the continued support of the Igbo community for the state government.
He stressed that the Igbo have been consistent in the pursuit of national unity and inter-ethnic cooperation.
Uzomah appealed to the governor to consider the inclusion of qualified Igbo people in the state cabinet as was the practice in some states.
In his goodwill message to the occasion, the President-General of the organization, Ambassador Raph Uwechue, charged the people to continue to live in harmony and conduct their affairs within the legal framework set out by their host states.
He advised them to embrace unity and contribute their quota to the revival process of the Igbo nation and the development of their host communities across the country.
At the occasion, guests were treated to Igbo rich cultural display by different groups.
Also at the ceremony were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women and Ethnic Relations, Mrs Lola Ibrahim and the Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu.
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Last modified: November 21, 2011
