Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, was agog recently. Dignitaries, including politicians, captains of industries, chief executive officers of corporate organisations and the political class thronged the popular restaurant. They came to celebrate the Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Senator Andy Ubah who was being honoured by Ndigboamaka, a group comprising eminent Igbo individuals in Lagos. Ubah was being honoured for his outstanding contributions in the Senate and his unparallel commitment to the Igbo cause.
There was a lot to eat and drink, with background music which made many guests to temporarily forget their homes.
In his speech, Transforming Nigeria: Building A Safe, Peaceful, Strong and Prosperous Nation, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to Ndigbo for their strategic contributions to the development of the FCT and the transformation programme of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The minister said Abuja under his leadership had become the Land of Unity, and noted that every necessary measure had been in place to ensure the security of lives and property in the capital territory, even as he admitted some challenges.
“I can assure you that we will continue to build a strong coalition to ensure that every one in Abuja sleeps with two eyes closed,” he said.
He called on all Nigerians to support the good efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan, who he said was leaving no stone unturned in his bid to defeat insurgency in parts of the country the insurgents.
“Security issues are not run in the media, and there is no way he will be announcing the great strides we are recording in the fight against insurgency. I say to all Nigerians that the prize of liberty is eternal vigilance,” Sen Mohammed said.
While eulogizing the Igbo for their industry and for helping to develop wherever they lived, he beckoned on them to bring more of their businesses to Abuja.
He said: “Recently, the FCT Administration signed an MoU with Messrs Chikason Nig Ltd, a Nigerian business firm of South East extraction, for the development of a multibillion naira Abuja Downtown Mall.
“Abuja, therefore, is open for business and development to the Igbo who are known for their enterprise both in Nigeria and the world over. You call it the Igbo Spirit, but I call it the Nigerian Spirit and this why I call on you to bring more of your businesses to Abuja.”
He pointed out the support of Ndigboamaka for President Jonathan in the 2011 presidential elections.
“The association, comprising millions of Igbo professionals, traders and businessmen in Lagos, mobilised millions of Ndigbo in Lagos, Southwest and in the Southeast to vote and offer various supports for Mr. President. We remain grateful for these contributions and hope you will repeat the same and even more when the time comes.”
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the association, Nze Osuokwu, noted that the day was historic in the life of the association. “It was set aside to recognize and honour a special man who has made our nation, humanity and indeed Ndigbo proud. Today, we honour him for uplifting our dear country, Nigeria, the Igbo nation and humanity at large.”
Nze Osuokwu pointed out that Southeast Ndigbo had a burning desire to correct the unpleasant situation in which Ndigbo had found themselves in Nigeria. “It is very obvious that in spite of the great contributions of Ndigbo in the birth, development and growth of Nigeria over the years, we have been schemed out of our rightful position in the country.
“The need arises for a systematic correction of the long years of monumental injustice, neglect and marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria. This is what the Southeast Ndigbo set out to achieve.”
Speaking on Ndigbo’s support for President Jonathan, Nze Osuokwu said: “In 2011, we supported him and never looked back and we will continue to do so until his containers of Goodluck become empty, because you know that over 80 percent of our members are container-friendly.”
On his own part, the president, Bro Leonard Ogbonna, said the association was an umbrella body of all the 58 major market associations and Igbo professionals in Lagos. According to him, the association had a membership strength of over 4.5 million Igbo in Lagos spread all over the state in the various markets, industries and offices.
He noted: “Our objective is the advancement of the Igbo cause and we are passionate about it. The organization is a child of destiny, which evolved out of a burning desire to spearhead the comprehensive articulation and strong promotion of the opinions, aspirations, interests and strategies of the Igbo nation in the larger Nigeria community.”
In his response, Senator Ubah said the honour and award not only humbled him, but it would make him work more towards uplifting the cause of Ndigbo and the cause of Nigeria.
The climax of the event was the unveiling of patrons of the group. They include Chief Patrick Chidolue, Chief Benson Abalaogu, Chief James Uduji, Chief Dan Chukwudozie and Chief Fabian Nwoarh.
At the event were eminent Igbo personalities, including the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Enwo-Igariwey; President, South East/ South South Professionals, Emeka Ugwu-Oju; President, Ohanaeze Lagos, Chief Fabian Onwughalu; Hyacinth Nwabueze Ohazulike, Eze Igbo, Lagos and many others.
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Source: Sun
