BEING AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT HAMPSHIRE, UK BY THE PRESIDENT GENERAL, OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE, AMBASSADOR GEORGE OBIOZOR, CON, ON THE OHANAEZE NDIGBO DAY, ORGANIZED BY THE UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND CHAPTER ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2022
Represented by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
PROTOCOLS
It is with inestimable joy that I bring greetings to you from the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. I am very glad that the Igbo are not only found in every part of the world but strive to uphold those unique sterling qualities for which they are known. The Igbo believe that dignity is the soul force that drives the human activities. Every Igbo, therefore, strives to the best of his/her ability to uphold the essential values that promote human dignity. Those values such as self-esteem, achievement motivation, resourcefulness, hard work, forthrightness and tenacity are the hallmarks of the Igbo persona. At the core of our essence is the Igbo pragmatic communalism -a concept that underscores the need to be our brother’s keeper and that the stronger should protect the weaker brethren.
The very impressive turn out at today’s event, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Day underscores the uncommon Igbo communal values, mutual responsibility and social solidarity which have been at the centre of our enviable collective achievements across the world.
The Igbo have experienced various travails in Nigeria. Some of these travails can be evaluated within the context of cultural clash; the Igbo cosmopolitanism, frontier spirit and the capacity to turn adversity to prosperity. The foregoing contextual evaluation of the Igbo spirit of never-say-die is unique among Africans. But, the only option before us is to remain focused, imaginative, audacious, unflappable and united. I therefore commend the President, Chief Mrs Aqueen Ibeto and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, UK and Ireland for exemplary organizational skills, unity and understanding.
As 2023 approaches, we must remain our brother’s keeper. Ndigbo at home have shown tremendous zeal, commitment and support to the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and therefore I urge every Igbo to reflect deeply on the Igbo dilemma. As I stated in my inaugural speech in 2021 “ours is a righteous cause. Those who oppose us will be defeated, for unlike them, we do not seek to dominate, control or humiliate our fellow citizens or fellow humanity. Instead, we seek a world where justice and fairness for all prevail, charity to all and malice towards none. The Igbo struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria has been long and tortuously agonizing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. With our new narratives of courage without rancour, wisdom without arrogance and intelligence with humility, we will meet our detractors and adversaries or rivals with offers they cannot resist, and situations that compellingly encourage taking right actions for right reasons”. And, this is where we are today.
We are convinced that Ndigbo have a rendezvous with history come 2023 because there is an unassailable maxim, founded on truth, experience and reason that history will always vindicate the Just.
Thank you
Ambassador Prof. George A. Obiozor, CON.
President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Isreal, Former Nigerian Ambassador to The Republic of Cyprus, former Director General Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
