The newly-elected President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has pledged to use his tenure to revive agriculture and industries in Igboland to create jobs for its youths.
Iwuanyanwu made the pledge during a Press Conference after the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide held at its National Secretariat in Enugu on Monday.
BRANDPOWER reports that Chief Iwuanyanwu was on Sunday inaugurated as the new president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo after Ohaneze Imeobi – the decision making organ of the group – met in a meeting attended by Igbo leaders.
Iwuanyanwu said he would set up various councils to see that agriculture, industries, education and businesses received the attention they needed in Igboland.
According to him, youths from the region engages in drugs and arms carrying because of poverty resulted from unemployment, stressing that the challenges will be addressed under his tenure.
The president-general hinted that he would tackle the issue of unemployment facing the zone seriously by reviving cement Industries in the zone, revealing that limestone which was the major raw material in making cement was available in the five states of the zone.
To achieve this, Iwuanyanwu said a committee would be set up to mediate between the group, state governments, and private investors who would be given franchise to operate.
“My concern is to ensure that jobs are created, good and services provided.
“We are also going to use Ohaneze to energize our system through agriculture, explaining that if we develop agriculture, it is enough to absorb most of those who are unemployed and reduce criminality,” he said.
He described education and business as very critical for growth and development of any society, adding that proper recognition would be given to young men and women with skills to have opportunity to acquire education and knowledge which is fundamental to any enduring achievement.
On business, he said: “Our businessmen and women have shown patients, commitment, perseverance and courage from breaking from tears in many places and establishing businesses”.
Iwuanyanwu equally said he would take immediate steps to establish an Ohaneze Ndigbo Investment Company whose equity would be held by Ohaneze Ndigbo States not individuals.
He added that the company would also create goods and services, employment opportunities and sources of funds in implementing some of their projects.
Iwuanyanwu’s emergence good omen for Igboland, says Ohanaeze Youth Wing
Meanwhile, the Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said that the emergence of elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, portends a greater future for the Igboland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iwuanyanwu recently emerged as the President-General of the organisation, following the death of Prof. George Obiozor.
Speaking at an interactive session with newsmen in Owerri on Monday, the Financial Secretary of the youth wing, Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, opined that Iwuanyanwu would set the tone for the growth and development of Igboland.
Arthur-Ugwa said that Iwuanyanwu
would justify the trust reposed in him by bringing his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duties.
He extended the group’s felicitations to Iwuanyanwu and urged him to pursue unity and oneness of purpose for a more united and prosperous Igboland.
He thanked the Imeobi (Executive Council) of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation for its wisdom in choosing Iwuanyanwu for the headship of the group.
“We are grateful to the Imeobi for the successful inauguration of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a true father, mentor and leader per excellence.
“Ohanaeze youths are convinced that with his pedigree, experience and exposure, we shall achieve the Igboland of our collective dream,” Arthur-Ugwa said.
He further opined that Iwuanyanwu’s inauguration would put to rest all the dissenting voices and proponents of factionalism in the organisation.
