At Igbo Day celebration, Ojukwu resurrects in Warri

Warri This year's Igbo Day celebration in Warri, Delta State, was remarkably different. Scores of members of Igbo ethnic nationality rose up in unison to celebrate the event at the Warri Township stadium.

Most prominent during the celebration of the event that lasted several hours was the imposing photograph of late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu that overwhelmed the crowd, including masquerades and dancers that entertained the crowd at the colourful and historic event.

Described as one of the most successful events since the commencement of Igbo Day celebration in the oil city, even the non-Igbo threw away tribal inclinations and joined in the celebration in spite of the downpour of the day.

President of the Ohanaeze-Ndigbo, Delta South and Central Senatorial District, Mr. Nicodemus Egwuatu Eze, in his speech, reminded his fellow compatriots of the importance attached to the Igbo Day Celebration. According to him, the Ohazaeze-Ndigbo was organized in 2000 with Sir Peter Chukwu, from Imo State emerging as the pioneer president of the organization.

The president assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that Igbos at home and in the Diaspora were accorded their pride of place. He explained that the organization has as its aims and objectives, the need to promote Igbo culture, tradition and language, and to liaise with the Government of Delta State in order to ensure the maintenance of peace and rapid socio-economic development of the state and the Igbo people. He said the organisation was also interested in settling intra-Igbo dispute and the promotion of a peaceful co-existence with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. He said he was determined to purchase land and build the Ohanaze-Ndigbo Delta Central and South hall.

While extolling the virtues of past and present leaders of the organization, the Ohanaeze-Ndigbo helmsman enjoined all aggrieved Igbos in the district to bury the hatchet and embrace one another in love and unity. "Igbos are known to be strongly united and resourceful anywhere they find themselves. We don't need to be quarrelling with one another because we are also known to be peaceful," he said.

The occasion, attended by various traditional rulers, also witnessed the presentation of an award of excellence to some hardworking Igbo leaders in the area, among whom were Chief (Sir) Chudi Okenkenta, Engr. Chinyere Wamuo, Chief Emeka Okeke and Nze Francis Onuora.