GODWIN OFOLE
Nigerian Representative and Coordinator
Igbo World Assembly.

September 27, 2014

Awka the capital city of Anambra state came alive on the 27th September, 2014 when the IGBO WORLD ASSEMBLY (IWA) held her 8th annual convention at women development center Awka.

In attendance were men and women of substance across the globe. Igbo World Assembly’s (IWA) thirty seven member country strong came in their numbers. Presentations were made by the President General of Ohanaeze Worldwide. President of Ijaw National Congress, the leader of Umuada Igbo Mrs Kate Ezeofor and her members in Nigeria and diaspora, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chief Remy Ezeonwuka, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze among others. Papers from Mazi Mbama Amadiebube and Prof. Paul Oranika were also presented.

OHANAEZE leadership made up of the President General Chief Garry Igariwey, the Secretary General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, the legal adviser Olunkwa and several States chairmen of OHANAEZE attended the event. Leaders of Igbo groups from Northern Nigeria and Lagos also made presentations. Anioma men and women performed their famous belly dance. Youths from the seven Igbo states participated actively.

IGBO World Assembly (IWA) on behalf of the diaspora paid a condolence visit to Ambassador Ralph Uwechue’s family at the country home at Ogwashi Ukwu Delta state.IGBO World Assembly also paid a courtesy call to President General of Ohanaeze chief Garry Igariwey at his country home in Afikpo in company of OHANAEZE secretary General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu. The delegation were shown round the town including the cross river separating Cross river states from Afikpo the home town of EZE Akanu IBIAM.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

In a related development the IGBO DAY celebration came up on 29th September, 2014 –the day set aside for its celebration annually. NDIGBO must be grateful to the executive Governor of Anambra state chief WILLIE OBIANO for giving great financial support for the 2014 IGBO DAY. Akpokue Dike of Aguleri has shown leadership in IGBO land that is worthy of emulation throughout IGBO land. We wish to state with categorical decisiveness that the peace and tranquility existing in Anambra state is something governor Obiano should find a way to have it replicated in other south east states. In fact Akpokue dike, the entire south east states is looking up to you for direction.

Dr. Alex Ekwueme squire was filled to capacity with delegates from seven member states and beyond showcasing. In attendance were prominent IGBO sons and daughters from home and abroad as well as well-wishers of the IGBO nation. Goodwill messages were presented by the President IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS, Past president General of OHANAEZE Ndiigbo Dr. Dozie Ikedife (ikenga Nnewi),The current president General Chief Gary Igariwey, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze in company of his executives and members from different countries.

Ohanaeze Anambra state Chris Eluemuno delivered the welcome address. Great Igbo sons in attendance were Chief Mbazulike Amaechi(the boy is good), Chairman South East traditional rulers council EZE Cletus Ilomuanya, EZE Uzu Awka Obi Gibson Nwosu, EZE Desmond Ogugua of Mbaise, EZE Chukwuemeka Eri of Idu ERI kingdom and others too numerous to mention were in attendance. Masquerades of various shade added color to the event including the famous IJELE and IZAGA. Masquerades. ATUILOGWU dances, Abriba war dancers and other also groups performed.

Delivering his speech, OHANAEZE President General Chief Garry Igariwey highlighted the theme of 2014 IGBO DAY which is (OJE MBA CHETAKWA ALA IGBO). The Chairman Igbo World Assembly (IWA) Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze stressed the need for Igbos to build bridges of friendship with their neighbors from South South, Middle Belt, South West, as well as core North as the survival of Igbo nation is embodied in this demand. The President IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS ENGR. CHARLES AMBAIOWI echoed the same bridge building with the IGBOS as the only way of survival in the present day Nigeria.

The leader of AREWA Consultative Forum and his group made presentation calling on Ohanaeze and AREWA to close ranks. Yoruba youth delegation also made presentation and called for cooperation with Ndigbo. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Awards to OHANAEZE NDIGBO President General and Secretary General, Chief Gary Igariwey and Dr. Nwaorgu respectively for good leadership and their performance at the just concluded National CONFAB 2014.