New Igbo Group, ANNIN Moves To Unify Ohanaeze, Igbo Community Under One Umbrella In Lagos

 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

A new Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Association of Ndieze, Ndindu and Igbo Nobles, ANNIN, has announced plans to bring Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, the Igbo Speaking Community and other Igbo associations in the state under one umbrella.

The announcement was made during the historic inauguration meeting of the group held on October 1, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The landmark event was presided over by the President of the association, Dr. Femi Ferguson, also known as Agu Aro. It drew traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun States, market leaders, professionals including media practitioners and lawyers, pastors, entrepreneurs and representatives of Ada Igbo Lagos.

According to the organisers, ANNIN, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja, is now positioning itself as an apex body to foster unity among Igbo groups in the diaspora.

The group said traditional rulers and the newly constituted Ndi Ndu will be assigned leadership roles at the community level, including town unions, while Ndieze will serve as custodians of Igbo culture and tradition in the diaspora.

In his presidential address, Dr. Ferguson formally declared the takeoff of ANNIN as a platform dedicated to uniting Ndieze, Ndindu and Igbo nobles for the promotion of unity, heritage, leadership, culture and collective welfare.

“We stand for dignity, integrity, service and sustainable development, upholding our rich traditions while embracing progress for generations to come,” Dr. Ferguson said.

He explained that the association is built on three pillars of Igbo society: the Ndi Eze as custodians of culture and tradition, the Ndi Ndu as leaders of villages, clans, town unions, markets and student unions, and Igbo nobles comprising professionals, clergy, scholars, businessmen and women and other men and women of honour.

According to him, the vision of ANNIN is to build a united, strong and prosperous community contributing to a better society, while its mission is to preserve heritage, empower the people, promote visionary leadership and support the socio-economic development of communities.

Those present at the inauguration commended the initiative, describing it as timely for promoting unity, progress and collective advancement among Ndigbo in Lagos.

Dr. Ferguson said the welfare of members remains central to the group, stressing that ANNIN would prioritise support, empowerment and the socio-economic wellbeing of its members while preserving Igbo heritage.

He listed the core values of the association as unity, integrity, leadership, service, respect and excellence. Its focus areas include cultural preservation, youth and leadership development, education and capacity building, community welfare, peace and security, economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, advocacy and partnerships, as well as networking and collaboration.

The meeting ended with a collective resolve by members to uphold the association’s motto: “Touch One, Touch All,” for a greater Igbo heritage and a stronger future.

The secretariat of ANNIN is located at 111 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos.