The President of Ohaenaze Ndi Igbo, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Solomon Aguene, has expressed great optimism for Nigeria’s future as well as a deep belief in the diversification of her culture.
Chief Solomon spoke at the Lagos State Office of the Ohaenaeze Ndi Igbo in Surulere, at a special event organized to mark the presentation of a book titled “Democracy and the Untold Story of June 12” authored by Chief Abimbola Moyosore Aboderin.
The book presentation was held on Thursday 3rd of December, 2020.
In a remark to corroborate the theme of the event “National Unity, Pathway to Development”, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, while commending the book author, emphasized on the need for unity among Nigerians.
He advised Nigerian youths to ignore all those elements especially politicians fueling discord and tribal disharmony them.
Also speaking at the event was the Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief Everest Ozonweke, who thanked the author for honouring the reputable Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo through his presence.
He said, “I asked questions about you, and I was told what you have done to strengthen democracy in Nigeria, to making sure that Nigeria remains one. “We thank you so much for the honour given to Ndi Igbo by visiting us today.”
While appreciating the organizers of the event, the book author, Chief Aboderin, expressed his utmost delight at the quality of guests in attendance.
Aboderin highlighted the importance of the occasion as a reminder of the need for all Nigerians to unite irrespective of tribe or religion.
He said, Nigeria is supposed to be one of the leading economies in the world but there is a huge burden of disunity which is causing division along ethnoreligious, political and economic lines.
He lamented the negative impression other countries has about Nigeria. “The whole world is looking at Nigeria, but our people are busy competing against each other which is very wrong. We should be competing against the world” he stated.
One of the highlights of the event was the breaking of Kolanut, a traditional practice common in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria to welcome special guests.
The rite was conducted by the President, Chief Solomon, who later presented a piece of the Kolanut to Chief Aboderin and other guests.
“Kolanut is our Igbo holy communion, It is planted by the Yorubas but the Igbos makes use of it especially for prayers”, he said.
Among the attendees at the event were Nollywood veteran actors Zack Orji and Tony Akposheri.