Ifeanyi Uba’s N30m Donation Tears Ohaneze Ndigbo Apart

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State have been thrown into crises following the N30 million donation made by the Chairman of Capital Oil, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Uba in preparation for the 2016 Igbo Day Celebration in Lagos.
Hundreds of Ndigbo who attended the celebration held on Saturday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos were disappointed on the shoddy preparation despite the huge amount of money donated by Uba.
Most of them left the venue in anger and rained curses on the leaders of Ohaneze for allegedly diverting the money meant for the event.

P.M. EXPRESS gathered that Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief Fabian Onwuhalu organised the event and sought for financial support from well meaning Igbo individuals who generously supported the celebration with their contributions.
Among the donors was oil magnate Uba, who single handedly, gave the organisers N30 million for the preparation.
However, the committees were allocated some money for the preparation and they collected the money but left many things undone.
The committee reportedly diverted the money for their personal use and accused the leadership of diverting the larger portion of the money to themselves.
It was learnt that the money meant for preparation of food and transportation were not given to the groups invited. Many were shocked that they were made to pay for chairs and tables arranged on the field.
After waiting for several hours and nothing was forthcoming, most of the attendees went away in groups dejected and sworn never to attend such event again.
Ohaneze had organized the event to bring the Igbo residents in Lagos together and to take a common position on their political future and how to make their representation to the government.
The celebration is an annual event which bring Igbo sons and daughters together to celebrate and thank God for protection and articulate issues and have a common position.
This year event was themed Mkpokota Ndigbo meaning “Bringing Ndigbo”, but the together seems to have ended in a sad note thereby dividing the Igbo more.
The president of Ohaneze could not be reach as he was said to be too busy to attend to our correspondent.