CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
It was an atmosphere of pomp and pageantry as dignitaries converged at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ijegun and Ijedodo kingdoms, Eze Chika Nwokedi, to witness his inauguration as the first elected Chairman of Council of Ndieze in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that those in attendance included Hon. Jude Idimogu, President of Igbo Community in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Udeh, Chief Chris Ekwilo, Igbo traditional rulers across the State, businessmen and captains of Industry including Eze Nwokedi’s friends and relations.
During the inauguration and hand over, Eze Nwokedi, in his speech, promised to change the image of Ndieze and build cordial relationship with other ethnic groups and the Lagos State Government.
He noted that he accepted to be Chairman of Ndieze in order to change things for better and build on unity for Ndigbo to be respected across the State.
Nwokedi explained that one of his priorities is to bring Ndieze under one umbrella and with unity among Ndieze in the state as it will be easier to galvanize the Igbo and give the positive direction.
He stated that his administration’s key objective is to serve the Igbo, unite them and to restore Igbo cultural heritage, which he said he cannot do alone stressing that he needs support from all the executives, Ndieze and Ndigbo in the State.
Speaking at the event, the President of Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Udeh, explained that Eze Nwokedi had the highest number of votes and was declared elected because Ndieze believed and trusted his leadership qualities over the years. He solicited for the support of every Igbo in Lagos State so that he will restore the dignity of Igbo traditional stool in Lagos State.
Eze Nwokedi performed his first assignment as Chairman of Ndieze with the inauguration of Hon. Jude Jude Idimogu as the patron of Ndieze as well as Chris Ekwilo in Lagos State.
Hon. Idimogu thank Eze Nwokedi and Ndieze for nominating him as their patron.
He stated that he will support Ndieze and indeed the Igbo Community in Lagos State and ensure that they will be doing their businesses in peaceful atmosphere.
He also advised Ndigbo to be cautious of their utterances and learn how to live in peace and harmony with other ethnic groups and respect the owners of the land.
The event came to an end with the display of Igbo traditional music and dance as displayed by Eze Nwokedi’s Cabinet Chiefs and their wives including friends and well wishers.