Ndigbo Community in Rivers State has witnessed a significant development as 25 splinter Igbo groups have united to form a strong and indivisible body.
The consolidation of these groups was announced following a meeting held at the Swizz Sprit Hotel in Port Harcourt on Thursday, which was presided over by His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Sir) Engr Sam Nwokolo (Eze-ji-ofor Ndigbo/Eze Ndigbo Gburu Gburu).
The meeting was also attended by Chief (Engr) Sam Anya, the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Non-indigenes Affairs.
During the meeting, Engr Okpara Maurice Ugochukwu was appointed as the Youth Leader of Ndigbo Community in Rivers State.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Okpara emphasized that the Ndigbo Community in Rivers State is a sociocultural organization with no political affiliations.
He outlined his plans as the Youth Leader, expressing his commitment to securing gainful employment for the Igbo youths in the state and protecting them from harassment by unscrupulous landlords and land grabbers.
Okpara also pledged to defend students against various forms of harassment, including that from lecturers, cultists, and other criminal elements. He further vowed to address injustices, including instances of police harassment.
The primary objective of the meeting was to achieve unity among the splinter groups, and a resolution was successfully reached for Ndigbo in Rivers State to reunite. Okpara emphasized the importance of unity in fostering development within a nation.
He stressed that the Ndigbo Community in Rivers State aims to contribute to the state government by upholding the law and promoting awareness among the youth to shun violence and social vices.
Reflecting on the values instilled in him during his upbringing, Okpara urged Igbo youths in Rivers State not to tarnish the reputation of their families.
He emphasized that by being law-abiding citizens, they would be adding value to the state and facilitating its progress.
Okpara extended an invitation to all Igbo youths in the state to join hands and work together to advance the interests of both Ndigbo and Rivers State.
He declared an end to the era of fragmentation, emphasizing the need for innovative ideas to drive the development of Ndigbo and Rivers State.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youths in community, state, and national development, Okpara said Igbo youths in Rivers State will work to the directives of HIM, Eze (Sir) Engr Sam Nwokolo (Eze-ji-ofor Ndigbo/Eze Ndigbo Gburu Gburu) to pursue their collective goals and objectives.
He assured the king of their unwavering support and commitment to the betterment of Ndigbo and Rivers State as a whole.