Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says Igbos are committed to the progress of Lagos state and will join hands with indigenes to further build the state.

The group made the pledge at the 2024 commemoration of Igbo Cultural Day and Yam Festival in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the Alimosho area of the state.

The event, which was also to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of Eze Emmanuel Oparachukwu, the Eze Udo 1 of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some indigenes of the state.

In his address, Mr Oparachukwu said that the event was to project Igbo common identity and promote the cultural heritage “as one people under one destiny.”

“Let us use the opportunity offered by this event to push the frontiers of our collective dream of a greater united and progressive Ndigbo in Lagos state.

“It is an opportunity to join hands with our host state (Lagos State) to further build it,” Mr Oparachukwu said.

According to him, despite challenges, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is living up to expectations and waxing strong in the state.

He stressed the need to appreciate and preserve the cultural heritage and values of Ndigbo.

He said: “The onerous task before us today rests in rebuilding confidence and this we must do among others.

“It is our collective aspiration and all hands must be on deck to ensure that our traditional values are being salvaged from extinction and preserved for the new generation.”

He advised Igbos to do their best for the society .

Speaking, Solomon Aguene (Udochia), chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos state, said that Igbo cultural values were respected everywhere in the world, assuring those in Lagos would continue to preserve them.

Mr Aguene said that there should not be animosity and suspicion among different tribes in the state.

Also, Dr Jossy Egwuatu, the Eze Ndigbo of Surulere LGA, said that the celebration was about love and oneness that should exist among various ethnic nationalities in the state.

A co-host of the event, Charles Obih (Ugoabata), told journalists that the event was also to inform Igbo children residing in the state about traditions, especially some of them who had not been privileged to go to their native land.

Obih, the president general, United Market Leaders/Traders Association of Nigeria, urged Igbos to be law-abiding and work for peace in the state.

Mr Obih commended the  people of Lagos for being accommodating but  urged the state government to accommodate Igbos in  public offices

One of the awardees and an indigene of the state, Moshood Salvador, who was conferred with “Nwannedinamba”, promised to do more to support Igbos, especially the youth, in the state.

“What is important in life is to have consideration for humanity, regardless of religion, tribe or tongue. We must work together.

“One tribe should not disrespect and disappoint the other. This award is not by accident; the association between  Yorubas and Igbos in Lagos is long,” Mr Salvador, a former federal lawmaker, said.

Dedicating the award to all the indigenous fathers of Lagos, Mr Salvador said that life was about understanding people’s needs and meeting them.

Another awardee, Bashorun Olufunmilola Anjorin, chairman of the Conscience Forum, who was conferred with “Enyi Ndigbo”, pledged to do more in terms of partnering and relating with Igbos in Lagos.

Chairman of the occasion, Eze Peter Ifeanyi, offered prayers at the event on behalf of Igbo leaders present.

He then decorated the awardees with their respective titles.

The event featured cultural rites and displays to thrill those in attendance. 

(NAN)