KINGSLEY EBERE
Leaders of the Anioma community of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos have described the emergence of the new executive led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye as President General as the right decision at the right time, saying the community has “placed the right peg in the right hole”.
Speaking on behalf of Anioma Leaders in Diaspora, Ugoeze Dr. Vivian Obi, who holds the chieftaincy titles of Ada Anioma and Nwanyichinawaraoji Ndigbo Lagos, said the new leadership has given Anioma people hope as a major stakeholder group within the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos.
According to her, the new dispensation marks the beginning of unity, cultural pride, and developmental strides for Ndigbo in Lagos.
“We, on behalf of Anioma Leaders in Diaspora of Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, therefore appreciate the United Front in Igbo Speaking Community,” Ugoeze Obi stated.
“Giving Anioma hope as a major state in Igbo Speaking Community and showcasing the beauty of culture and heritage is what we have been yearning for. Today, that hope has been restored.”
She described the new President General as a man of integrity, compassion, and proven leadership.
“Our new PG, his name is a noble man of repute, philanthropist and leadership per excellence. Igbo Speaking Community will see the new developmental stride in the new dispensation,” she said.
Ugoeze Obi noted that the crisis that led to the removal of the former executive was painful, but necessary to reposition the community for progress. She commended stakeholders, the Board of Trustees, and members of the General Assembly for following due process to ensure peace and stability.
“We therefore, congratulate Chief Chinye as a hero for being an outstanding pride of Igbo Speaking Community Lagos,” she added.
“May his tenure continue to sustain our heritage and unity in Lagos. We believe that under this leadership, the Igbo Speaking Community will speak with one voice and protect the interest of all Igbo sub-groups, including Anioma, in Lagos State.”
The Anioma leader emphasized that culture and heritage must remain at the center of the community’s activities. She pledged the full support of Anioma sons and daughters in Diaspora to the new executive, promising to partner with them on empowerment programmes, youth development, and cultural festivals that will project Ndigbo positively in Lagos.
“We are ready to work. Anioma people are industrious, peaceful, and committed to the growth of Lagos. With the right leadership in place, we can showcase the beauty of our culture, support our businesses, and ensure the security and welfare of our people,” she said.
Community observers say the endorsement from Anioma Leaders in Diaspora is significant because Anioma represents one of the largest Igbo-speaking blocs in Lagos outside the five South East states. Their support is expected to strengthen the new executive as it begins the task of reconciliation and development.
The new executive, led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye, was inaugurated after a General Assembly meeting at the National Headquarters where a vote of no confidence was passed on the previous leadership over allegations including the crowning of an “Obi of Lagos State” and the issuance of an “Ezendigbo Gburugburu” certificate without stakeholders’ consent.
Stakeholders have since called on all factions to close ranks and support the new leadership for the progress of Ndigbo in Lagos.
