…Call for unity
By Friday Obande
Chairman of Igbo Community in Gishiri Village, Katampe, Abuja Chief Cellestine Ajibo has lamented over the reality of the forthcoming demolition reality that has once hit the area, as he called for unity in the area despite the inevitable exercise.
The assembly is an affiliate of Ohaneze N’digbo worldwide.
Speaking to Nigerian Pilot during the community’s valedictory end of year party, said despite the unity of the Igbo Community in the area, the demolition exercise remains a shocker to all residents which will lead to the reality of communication gaps amongst the people in the village.
According to him, this year’s party was meant to enable members discuss on the way forward, which the demolition exercise was paramount in the discourse, so as to address its financial implications of the forthcoming and compulsory exodus of residents within the area.
“As it stands, we may have to end the meeting as a result of the massive movement of our members from this village,” he said.
While sympathising with those affected at the earmarked areas, he urged members of the Igbo assembly to judiciously utilise the funds made available to each individual for the purpose of boosting their business activities, adding that his stay in the village has so far led to his numerous achievements over the years.
Also, Vice President of the assembly, Chief Sebastine Amabozogu Ndubuike, stated the relevance of the Igbo ethnicity, saying the word ‘Igbo’, stands as a deity that promotes love, peace progress and unity amongst people globally, as he also described them as law abiding citizens.
He said,” The Igbo Community is a deity and the name stands for peace, progress and the general good of the nation and beyond and a peculiar quality about the Igbos the unity that binds us all to do things in one accord.
He continued by saying the Igbos have maintained cordial relationships with their host and other tribes as well in the area.
The Chief called on Igbos in Gishiri and the global communities to continuously identify with their kinsmen to promote the rich culture of their heritage.
On his part, the assembly’s Secretary General, Mazi Augustine Enemuo who spoke on cohesion and reconciliation of the assembly, which said are the bane of the association’s foundation, also advised the members, mostly those faced with the reality of the forthcoming demolition exercise to maintain the unity and always continue to live in one accord, even in their limited time within the community.
In spite of the already known forthcoming exercise around the area, the Igbo end of year party featured displays of masquerade performances from different parts of the South-East of the country, as well as recipes from the same region, and a host of other niceties.
End.
