By Stephen Ubanna
Leo Okafor, the Oba Ojoto , is a happy man. Okafor‘s source of joy was that his dream of being a source of joy to many is being fulfilled’’. A successful Anambra business man , based in Lagos , the nation’s Commercial nerve centre , he appears to set the machinery in motion put smiles on many Igbos resident in the nation’s Commercial city with the unveiling of a Socio –Cultural Organisation, Igboezuo Development Union, to attend to their needs in Lagos without hassles. He is expected to commence the formal registration of the Organisation with the Corrporate Affairs Commission CAC, in 2023, in readiness to commence registration of members.
Speaking at the end of Year party of the newly formed socio-cultural organization, attended by many dignitaries from all parts of Igbo land, Okafor, who goes by the title,Oba Ojoto, said the Union is a total departure from other existing unions like the OHANAEZE, and other Organisations in other Igbo Speaking Communities, emphasizing that other existing sister organizations have not done much for Ndigbo.
He disclosed 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 our choice.
Chief Okafor 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 members 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.He therefore encouraged all well-meaning Igbos in Lagos who would want their names written in gold as those who contributed to the progress and development of Ndigbo to join the movement as a matter of credible task.
The Igboezuo Year End Party, which took off with praises, worships and prayers, was taken to its climax with massive entertainment wrapped up in atmosphere of happiness.Prominent guests who graced the event included: Reverend Paul Eze, Chief Ifeanyi Igwegbe, Chief Mrs. Perpetua Jugai (Ada-Igbo), Hon. Chukwumaka Okpala, Onowu Ozuome, Hon. Nelson Ibeawuchi, High Chief Cyril Sunday Eze, Chief Alloy Nwodo Ikenga, Hon. Mrs. Ifunanya Ekeke and Mazi Chuks Nwosu (PhD)Others are Chief Joe C. Anyaeche, Chief Mrs. Pricilla Ikeji, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Ezeh, Ben Okpalaugo (Prophet), Mrs. Gloria Anyiam, Hon. Nwogu Nkech, Chief Mrs. Philo Kalu, Adadioramma Amaku, Evang. Florence Nwoye and Juliet Odor.The rest are Comrade Eugene Okorie, Chief Fred Obialor, Chief Kingsley Anyanwu, Anthony Iheme, Azuka Okaro and a host of other well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters who thronged the Ilasa venue of the event to add colors to the unveiling of Igboezuo Development Union
