My plans for Igbo in Oyo—Obi, Onyedu Ndigbo

Posted by admin Oyo, South-East, State News Thursday, November 17th, 2011

September 29 of every year is a day set aside as World Igbo Day. At this year’s celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Onyedu Ndigbo of the state, Chief Aloy Okwudichukwu Obi spoke with NGOZI UWUJARE on the significance of the day and other issues.

Excerpts:
The World Igbo Day
The World Igbo Day is a day set aside every year by the Ndigbo to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. It is a day of evaluation of our fate today and a projection for tomorrow. A day we examine the unity and the wellbeing of Ndigbo.

It is also a day the Igbo recognise those who lost their lives in the struggle for a good Igbo nation. We also remember our Igbo brothers and sisters who struggled and fought during Nigeria’s civil war between 1967 and 1970.
It is a day to celebrate and demonstrate unity. It is a day to remind the Federal Government about the second Niger Bridge promised us by the President Goodluck Jonathan.

Plans for Igbo
My first plan is to make sure that Igbo in Ibadan and the entire Oyo State is to foster unity and ensure that we live in peace among ourselves and Igbo and other inhabitants of the state. I have also been providing employment opportunities for Igbo in Ibadan. Some of them are working in my company. Despite the harsh economic condition of the country I am going to employ 50 Igbo next year by God’s grace. I care for them and none of them will suffer.

Participation of Igbo in Ajimobi’s government
When Governor Abiola Ajimobi came to my house during the campaign to solicit for the support of Igbo living in the state, he promised to include Igbo in his cabinet. We are still waiting for him to deliver on his promise. Now that he has appointed his commissioners, we expect that he will give one or two special adviser position to Igbo. We believe he will not disappoint us because our population in the state is significant.

100 Days of Ajimobi adminstration
He started well and I want to implore the entire residents of Oyo State to be patient with the governor. He started on a positive note but for him to achieve more success he needs the support of all and sundry. We also need to encourage him so that he can fulfil his promise.

Boko Haram crisis
The Federal Government should rise up and address the issue of Boko Haram once and for all. The spate of bombings and the level of insecurity are becoming an embarrassment to the nation. The government should call the Boko Haram to dialogue and find out what actually is its demand. The people of this country are expecting the dividends of democracy. Since those in government have promised to improve the living standard of the people they must fulfil their promises.
I am calling on the northern governors and leaders to also assist the Federal Government in dialoguing with the Boko Haram sect. The issue of religion should not be a problem. There is the need for a national conference. Let us sit down and discuss the problems plaguing the country. The issue of kidnapping should equally be addressed.

Ibadan flood and the victims
The flooding of August 26, 2011, which claimed several lives and destroyed properties in Ibadan was an unfortunate incident. It was sad seeing children, parents and aged people trapped in the flood and eventually died. The state government prompt intervention was highly commendable and the response through donations from governments and individual also commendable. The Igbo are planning to make their donations.

-Sunwp_posts