By Chika Uwazie
Arrangements have been concluded by the apex Igbo cultural organization, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Aka Ikenga in collaboration with all Igbo groups in South West of Nigeria. for a one day workshop on celebration of Igbo unity, culture and transformation where President Jonathan Good-luck will deliver the key note address on the prospects and challenges of transformation.
The President of Aka Ikenga, Dr Sylvian O. Ebigwei said with optimism that the historic event would examine the challenges that lie ahead in unifying a region still torn by the scars of the civil war and why it is vital for Ndi-igbo to embrace the democratic transformation.
Slated for 26th of February, 2011 at the TBS Lagos, the Aka Ikenga spokesman disclosed that the capacity building event would afford the Igbo extraction the opportunity to discus national unity and transformation in Nigeria, the challenges, opportunities and how far the democratic process has progressed.
He said that President Jonathan, since taking up office has taken immense steps aimed at promoting national unity.
According to him, the President has realized that it is essential to find a balanced way of creating a feeling of inclusiveness, which accommodates the diversity of the country with the predisposition towards nation-building.
“We also thank President Goodluck Jonathon for steering the nation, on the road to credible, free and fair elections as well as for having the vision, to stimulate hope and the mission to transform the hope into reality.
“These acts of the President are symbolically important because as things stand, Nigerians are well aware of the bad governance, corruption, poor electricity supply and security issues, which are some of the factors and major challenges, that will determine whether the next government succeeds or fails” he said.
While calling on all Igbo people and organanisations, eminent men of Ndi-Igbo to mobilize and prepare for this historic event, Aka Ikenga President who is passionate about Igbo participation in the Nigerian polity, noted that now is the time for extraordinary, political, leadership to harness the support of Igbo organisations and solicit mass support from the indigenes of the region.
Dr Sylvian who has been preaching unification of Idigbo in the Nigerian polity believes that the portrayal and focus of leadership as a foundation for the development of national unity is vital for increasing the probability of long term success of the nation.
His words: “These groups represent a critical force not because they represent a majority; they are influential because they represent an organized faction, one that faces a disorganized state and civil society.
“ Ndi-igbo must recognize that to transform into a political force, we need to unite and mobilize in one house under one roof, to enable us participate effectively in the political reform process and provide real incentives for our region.
“Ndi-Igbo, in the past, have been forced to settle for other organised alternatives due to rival divisions in our fold, opportunistic individuals pulling us apart and the breakdown of our united force which is evident in the collapse of our political struggle.
“As Nigeria experiences transition to democratic rule, it is imperative for us to consider the most effective steps to dramatically reshape our way of thinking, to which everyone must pledge commitment. Everyone who wants, to see us transform, from an absent political participation to a dynamic political group.
“We all have a role to play which will require a sustained effort” It is time to reorganize in order to capitalize on this tremendous opportunity of continuing to work with others for the further development of the region.
“We must begin to reap the rewards of our labour and contributions in building Nigeria by helping ourselves to play a central role in shaping the future of our country” he said.
He noted without mincing words that Igbo contributions to the various industries oil and gas, banking and finance, telecommunications, manufacturing and general trading can no longer afford to be overlooked.
“Collectively we are stronger and the unity of Ndi-Igbo is very important. If one were to perform a detailed analysis of what the Ndi-Igbo market traders in Nigeria contribute to the economy and assess, the economic and wider social benefits that Ndi-Igbo contributes, such as regeneration, economic development, tourism and community relations, it will be clear for all to see how such contributions illustrate the economic significance of Ndi-Igbo market traders in their own right.
“Ndi-Igbo market traders provide important sources of employment and income for a significant number of people, from retailers to drivers to artisans.
“They also play a significant role in business start ups, whereby the setting is created for a new business, to launch products at a lower cost than in other avenues. The markets created also help to encourage community relations and create social ties in the trading community as well as with consumers.
“ Economic impact is produced through the activities of millions of traders who work almost entirely on a self generating cash basis creating millions of jobs. The estimated value of the annual market turnover at national level will surely run into billions of Naira” he noted
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