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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth wing, on Wednesday revealed that the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation has directed Igbo youths to mobilize themselves to welcome the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
The Deputy National Leader Ohanaeze, Onwuasoanya Jones, made this disclosure in a statement made available to The Eastern Updates in Owerri.
According to Ohanaeze, the visit of Buhari would be an opportunity for Igbo leaders and groups to directly engage the president on how to solve their grievances.
They said among other things, ‘As we are all aware, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, shall be in Imo on an official working visit on the 9th of September, 2021. The President’s visit to Imo is his first working visit to the State since taking office in 2015 and the first time the State is hosting a President on working visit since 2009.
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He continued; ‘This visit is especially significant given the recent communication from the governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to the effect that the President is coming to put final seals on some strategic federal government interventions and partnerships which the Imo State government has agreed with the Federal Government.
‘Also, a lineup of people-oriented and audacious projects are scheduled to be unveiled and inaugurated for the use of Imo people and for our individual comfort, notwithstanding our political or social leanings.
‘The President is also billed to hold a town hall meeting with all classes of people from across Igbo land, including, the youths, traditional institution, traders, artisans, religious leaders and the political class. This town hall meeting shall afford anyone or group the opportunity to ask the President any questions or ventilate whatever might be our personal or group grievances and hopefully, the President shall take adequate note of these questions, observations and complaints.
‘It is delighting to note that the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to. It is on the strength of the above that Igbo youths, worldwide have resolved, not only to welcome the President to the Eastern Heartland, Imo but to also come out in their numbers to give the President, the hospitality he deserves within the period he is in Imo.
‘May I reiterate that Igbo youths are peace-loving, hardworking and honourable people and would therefore not bring themselves to take part in any activity that aims to disrupt this important State event. Anyone or group of people found to be involved in any act aimed at disrupting this State visit or harassing those who wish to participate, should be treated as invaders and or felons and not doing so on behalf of Ndigbo or Igbo youths,’ Ohanaeze said.
On the side of the Imo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Declan Emelumba said While mentioning the project to be commissioned, the govt warned, ‘Any group threatening to cause problems does so at their own risk. I want to say this, Imo and Igbo, in general, will benefit. Among other things the president Buhari will also be having a closed-door town hall meeting with “select leadership” of the five South Eastern states during the visit.’
The projects to be commissioned include; ‘The first phase of the Naze, Ihiagwa and Nekede link road, and a balloon drainage system designed to alleviate perennial flooding. Also, the Egbeada bypass road which was constructed to reduce traffic at the city centre and the new executive chamber at the government house would also be commissioned.’
Mr. President, who will also meet with our revered Traditional Rulers, the clergy, captain of industries as well as leaders of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, in his strategic partnership for national cohesion, peace, and security. While we consider this visit very strategic and timely, we call on all Imolites, particularly members of our great party to come out en mass to welcome Mr President in our usual disposition of warmest hospitality.’
THE EASTERN UPDATES
