KINGSLEY EBERE
The Patron of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, Chief Innocent Nwaogwugwu, has hosted the new executive members of the community at his office in Lagos.
The reception, which was lavish and well attended, had in attendance the President of the community, Chief Chukwudi Chinye, who led other members of the executive council to the meeting.
Chief Nwaogwugwu, a respected businessman and community leader, said the reception was organized to appreciate the executives for their dedication to the service of Ndigbo in Lagos and to encourage them to do more for the community.
He charged the executives to make unity and peace their watchword, noting that no organization can grow and succeed in an atmosphere of rancor and division.
According to the patron, the Igbo Speaking Community remains one of the most organized, strong and respected socio-cultural bodies in Lagos because of the unity among its members and the commitment of its leaders over the years.
“My advice is simple. Continue to work in unity. Let peace, love and understanding guide your actions. Igbo Speaking Community is one big family and we must live as one,” Chief Nwaogwugwu said.
He noted that Lagos State is home to millions of Ndigbo who have contributed immensely to the economic and social development of the state, stressing that the community must continue to remain united to protect the interest of its members and promote Igbo culture and values.
Chief Nwaogwugwu praised Chief Chinye for providing purposeful and people-oriented leadership and for bringing stability and progress to the community since assuming office as President.
He emphasized on the need for humble and visionary leader who has capacity in managing the affairs of Ndigbo in Lagos.
The patron pledged his continuous support to the executives and promised to always offer useful advice and assistance whenever needed to move the community forward.
In his response, Chief Chukwudi Chinye thanked Chief Nwaogwugwu for the warm and lavish reception and for his fatherly role as patron of the Igbo Speaking Community.
Chinye described Chief Nwaogwugwu as a pillar of the Igbo Speaking Community and a man of integrity whose contributions, guidance and financial support have sustained the group over the years.
He assured the patron that his administration will continue to promote unity, peace and progress among Ndigbo in Lagos and will not disappoint the confidence reposed in the executives.
“We are committed to an inclusive administration that will carry every member along, promote the welfare of Ndigbo and project our people positively in Lagos State,” Chinye said.
He called on all Igbo sons and daughters in Lagos State to support the executives in building a stronger, more united and more progressive community.
Other executives who spoke at the reception also thanked Chief Nwaogwugwu for his hospitality and prayed for God’s blessings and long life for him.
The meeting ended with prayers for the peace and progress of the Igbo Speaking Community, for peace in Igboland and for the continued progress of Lagos State.
The Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, is the umbrella body of Ndigbo resident in Lagos, comprising members from the five South Eastern states and Igbo-speaking areas of Delta and Rivers States. The group has been at the forefront of promoting Igbo language, culture and welfare.