BY GODWIN OBI
An emerging vibrant Igbo socio-cultural organization named ‘Igboezuo Development Union’, has flagged off the year 2023 with life transforming programmes aimed at making life more meaningful for the Igbos in Lagos.
The Union had its first summit on 27th January to commence the process of implementing a number of its laudable programmes, which include housing, registration with cooperative and getting health insurance cover for members of the esteemed Igbo cultural organization.
Special committees were set up to liaise with relevant government institutions and other bodies to facilitate early implementation of the impressive programmes, while legal committee was set up and charged to draft a constitution for the association within a month.
The founder of Igboezuo Development Union, Chief Leo Okafor (Oba Ojoto) in his address, expressed gratitude to Ndigbo for coming up to form the organization within one month.
He however encouraged the Igbos in Lagos who would want their names written in gold to quickly identify with the union, disclosing that since December 2022, four different groups had come to him, declaring their willingness to be part of the IGBOEZUO.
Members showed support for the union; some making cash and drinks donations while others donated Bell and donated wall clock.
Recall that at the December 2022 Year End Party of the IGBOEZUO Development Union, Chief Okafor declared that the Union, would be totally different from other existing unions like the OHANAEZE, Igbo Speaking Communities et cetera, remarking that other existing sister organizations have not impacted much in the lives and well-being of Ndigbo.
He however emphasized that Igboezuo was founded on the principles of love and truth to cater for the wellbeing of Ndigbo
Chief Okafor said Igboezuo, which has its headquarters at ‘Igbo House’ in Ilasa-Maja area of Lagos state, will provide refuge, accessible bank loans, among many others to members, adding that in line with the Union’s vision, he has donated a storey-building and is called IGBO HOUSE (meaning it is a home for every Igbo person).
He said, the group will represent the Igbo people in Lagos state in all aspect of life and will be a voice towards the defence of the Igbos while promoting their growth, development and sustainability through building a cooperative society, while political aspect of supporting the state we are living in not in any way left out.
Chief Okafor also disclosed that plans are underway to register Igboezuo with the Corporate Affairs Commission in January 2023, as well as commence formal registration of members.
He said the union will thereafter proceed to finalize arrangement with an Insurance company to obtain a health insurance cover for all members of the socio-cultural union
He said the Insurance cover will take care of treatment of members and their children which medical expenses do not exceed N200,000.00
Chief Okafor further said that he was already in discussion with the Federal Housing Development Authority with a view to getting them build houses for all members of the Union at any location of their choice.
He remarked that the memberships of the Igboezuo were drawn from members of Oba Ojoto Movement, the South east APC Professional Women Council, Ndigbo Grassroots Movement and Ofuobi palace.
Others are Akwaugo Women; Igbo Speaking Community; Ndigbo Amalgamated Isolo;Bethel Ladies for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Ndigbo Buru Otu Association and Akorede Market Association.
The rest came from Alaba market leaders, Honourable Women Foundation, Ohanaze Magazine Group, Frontline Media Group, Igbo Media Intelligentsia, Igbo Businessmen and Royal Daughters.
According to him, “Today, we are proud celebrating the great occasion of the unveiling of our newly formed social cultural group with all of you”, Oba Ojoto joyfully remarked, stressing that his attraction to the formation of IGBOEZUO is to bequeath enduring legacy.
The Igboezuo Year End Party, which took off with praises, worships and prayers, was taken to its climax with massive entertainment wrapped up in an atmosphere of happiness with a corresponding display of commendation to the founder of the socio-cultural group, Chief Okafor and others that contributed to the success of the programme.
Several well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters thronged the Ilasa venue of the event to add colours to the Year-End-Party of Igboezuo Development Union.
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