A renowned publisher and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike has urged the new President-General of Ohanaézè Ndígbo, Prof. George Obiozor to address the persisting existential threats facing the Igbo people and the deep frustrations of their youths.
In a congratulatory letter to the new President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Emenike said that given Obiozor’s pedigree and deep sense of history, he is a natural choice for that position. According to him, the distinguished envoy’s exposure at both local and international levels spanning the academia, public service, and diplomatic relations is worthy of note.
Emenike recalled that Obiozor had at various times served creditably as director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, and lastly, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States.
Emenike said the fact that Obiozor was overwhelmingly elected by a gathering of hundreds of Igbo leaders cutting across political divides is evidence of his unifying status. “You should ride high on this,” he added. He therefore urged him to work with his team to change what he termed “the current curious Igbo narrative”.
He said: “Your Excellency may need to go back and adopt the strategies of Igbo State Union of yore, including practising the mantra “Onye Ahaha Nwanne Ya”, which ensures that all Igbo youths were engaged in both educational and mentorship pursuits.”
Emenike was emphatic that Obiozor has the capacity to take the Igbo to the next level. “Under your leadership, Ndigbo can escape from their current status as Nigeria’s major ethnic minority,” he said.