In order not to strangulate his ability to enthrone a fresh narrative for Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbos, he had recognized the importance of peaceful coexistence and untainted respect for converging interests based on mutual benefits.
This has been the administrative compass of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene since he assumed office as President Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 18, 2018.
His approach to peaceful coexistence with an enforced application of existing human instruments was the needed elixir that turned a fresh beginning for the more than 27 years old socio-cultural association in the Ikorodu chapter on Sunday, August 9, 2020.
Shortly before Chief Aguene came to office, Lagos Ohanaeze sub units election held on February 16, 2018. In the election, Colonel Reuben Nwankwo of Ikorodu zone had contested but lost to Mr. Daniel Eze.
The retired Colonel ret’d, who is well respected amongst Ndigbos, expressed reservations about the conduct and outcome of the election.
Sensing that the development was affecting the growth plans and vision of his administration, Chief Aguene swung into action and reached out to his extensive network including governor Sanwo-Olu, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi and other stakeholders.
The dialogue resulted into amicable resolution of the crises at the Oba of Ikorodu’s palace on Sunday, August 9.
“Colonel Nwankwo is an Ndigbo we are all proud of. I am very happy he has accepted the peaceful resolution of the crises. This is what my administration stands for. We are one and we will continue to be one. I thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for his intervention. I also thank our great Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi for his fatherly love to all Ndigbos in Ikorodu area since he ascended the throne in 2015. We have always held the Oba in high esteem and we will continue to hold him in high esteem as our royal father,” Aguene said.
The weekend reconciliation opened a fresh vista of Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo for enterprising interactions, cultural synergy, equitable distribution of wealth and enhanced organic pathway for a better future of the socio-cultural association.
Crises over and given the unknown duration of COVID-19 pandemic, the Aguene led Ohanaeze, on Monday, August 10 stormed Ikorodu to extend its supports to its Ikorodu chapter.
The well attended meeting which was hosted by Chief Daniel Eze was an event to remember for a long time as drinks of different brands and assortment of dishes were in large supply for entertainment.
Different products ranging from soap, bags of rice, parks of Indomie and other assortment of items were given out.
Speaking at the distribution centre, Chief Aguene explained his unending concerns for the economic well being and quality life style and business supports to Lagos Ndigbo. He sued for cooperation.
He thanked Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation, the donor of the distributed items.
He went pastoral and prayed fervently for the “young man” saying “I am full of joy. When the people are happy, I am happy. That is our concerns. I pray for Ebele. He has been supporting us. He does all this without making noise about it. I pray that God Almighty will continue to reward him. I call on other well meaning Ndigbos to extend supports to the poor among us. I also thank governor Sanwo-Olu for his supports to Lagos Ndigbo. We cannot thank him enough,” he said.
Non-Ndigbos who trouped to the sharing venue benefitted as they were freely given the palliatives without discrimination.
“Someone told me they are sharing palliative here and I decided to run down. I even thought it was APC that was sharing the items. I did not know they are Igbos. They gave me rice, indomie and soap without asking question. I am surprised. God will bless them. I did not know Igbo people are this good,” Temitope Abiodun, a mother of three who resides within the environment said.
Women and men sang, danced and rejoiced, thanking God for Aguene who they describe as “Computer and game changer.”
Interestingly, remnant of issues arising from leadership tussles at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, ASPAMDA were all trashed out on Tuesday at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s office in Lagos.
The Trade Fair past president and contestants agreed that elections will be conducted in a short time.
It was also resolved that the current leadership is interim and should therefore, function for three months after which a fresh election will be held to elect new leadership.
The consensus and peace achieved at the Tuesday resolution meeting, reaffirmed Chief Aguene’s ability and capability to lead.
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