Igbo Speaking Community Unites As New Executives Emerges In Lagos 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the inauguration and swearing in of the new executives organized by the Board of Trustees led by their Chairman, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, was held on Sunday, 14th September, 2025 at Sickle Cell Foundation Civic Center, Idi-Araba area of Lagos.

The inauguration was attended by the BOT members, Igbo traditional rulers including Eze Chika Nwokedi, former presidents of the Igbo Speaking Community, critical stakeholders,  market men and women and members of the community across the Local Councils in the State under the Chairmanship of Chief Innocent Nwaogwugwu.

The BOT Chairman, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, in his opening speech, thanked fellow attendees, the Royal Fathers, and leaders of various parties for their presence at the occasion.

He also expressed his pride in the Lagos State Government and urged Ndigbo in Lagos to continue to live in peace as he emphasised the importance of unity and peace in the Nigerian society.

Dr Nnaji stated that uniting the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos was quite an achievement as they brokered peace between the two factions within the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, especially after a prolonged period of crisis.

He explained that the unity is undoubtedly a significant milestone, as he noted that the critical objectives of the Igbo Speaking Community are centered on living in peace with the host communities (the sons of the soil) in Lagos. – Fostering unity and cooperation among Igbo speakers – Preserving the Igbo language, tradition, and culture, especially for the younger generation who may not have frequent exposure to Igboland.

He further said, “With the Igbo Community now speaking with one voice, it’s plausible that initiatives to promote Igbo language and cultural heritage could gain more traction. Cultural education in schools and community programmes might play a vital role in this endeavour.”

“The Igbo people want their language to continue to exist, as their children may not visit Igbo land for extended periods. Moreover, we also aim to teach our children about their language and culture, as there are Emirs of the north and Yoruba communities in the east” Nnaji stated.

Regarding how the new leadership might approach things differently, Dr Nnaji highlighted the advantage of unity – speaking with one voice. This cohesion, he says, could enhance the community’s ability to engage with host communities and articulate their needs and contributions more effectively.

“It might also streamline efforts to promote Igbo culture and address common challenges faced by the community in Lagos” he said.

Chief Anselm Njoku, who represented Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, showed support at the inaugural event of the Igbo Speaking Community.

He assured that Chief Sunday Udeh, the President General of the Igbo Speaking Community, would be on the protocol list of the Governor of Lagos State.

Chief Nwaogwugwu thanked the community leaders and stakeholders who made every effort to achieve the peace initiative, which led to the election of the new executives especially Chief Sunday Eze, who voluntarily stepped down for Chief Sunday Udeh to emerge as President General.

Chief Sunday Eze expressed satisfaction over the turnout of the inaugural event aimed at fostering unity among the Igbo Speaking community in Lagos State.

He emphasised the importance of unity for community progress and development and regretted the divisions within the Igbo Speaking community, which had hindered growth and relationships with the Lagos State Government. Now, with unity achieved, he expressed optimism about the prospects of a stronger, more cordial relationship with the government, which could lead to better outcomes for the Igbo community.

Chief Sunday Udeh, the President General of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, expressed gratitude to those who contributed immensely for peace to return to the Igbo Speaking community.  He thanked the BOT led by Dr Nnaji and Chief Eze, who stepped down for him to emerge as president.

Chief Udeh, also known as Onwa Ndigbo, stated that he will kick off by setting up a legal team to guide Igbo initiatives, ensuring that whatever an Igbo is doing in Lagos State will be within the framework of rule of law and legality.

He explained that the leadership will make strategic efforts to integrate and contribute positively to Lagos State while maintaining the Igbo identity and unite the Igbo in Lagos with a vision for togetherness.

Chief Udeh emphasised the importance of the Igbo people speaking with one voice, reconciling differences, and fostering togetherness, having faced challenges in the past.

He highlighted the developmental contributions the Igbo people are known for, which have been maintained over time and promised collaboration with the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he said is supportive of the Igbo people.

Hon. Chief Dr Okechukwu Uzuegbunam, the youth leader of the Igbo Speaking community in Lagos, laid emphasis on integrity, transparency, and accountability, as this resonates strongly as foundational elements for effective leadership. He highlighted that leadership among Ndigbo is about leading rather than ruling, which underscores the importance of collaborative and inclusive governance. This, he said, is a pivotal approach in fostering trust and driving collective progress.

Regarding the youths who are not part of the Igbo Speaking community, Dr Okechukwu encouraged them to step up and be active participants in shaping their environment. This call to proactive engagement, he said, is crucial for bringing about desired change, regardless of one’s cultural background within the community.

Okechukwu promised to empower the youth wing and place them in the highest esteem while working with the main body to rebuild the community.

He urged the new government to do things right, abandon old leadership methods, maintain integrity and accountability, and lead the Igbos, not rule them.