I align with governor Dave Umahi’s political direction is Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, the President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, in this brief interview, tells OpenLife Nigeria
First, how is Lagos Ohanaeze?
Well, at the Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo, we thank God for the journey so far especially for the wisdom and good health to manage a large socio cultural association with over four million people made up of former Vice President, governors, technocrats, bureaucrats, billionaires, senior clergy, Nollywood stars, young, old, rich and the poor.
At the secretariat, there has never been any dull moment. It is full of activities. People troop in and out. We attend to all issues that concern all Ndigbos.
That was the reason we had to strengthen the administration. We recently brought in Eze, Sir Chris Emeka Offia as Chairman of the Council of NDIEZE. We have an Eze in charge of all the local government areas in Lagos State as a way of decentralizing the management of the affairs of Ndigbos. We just honoured some Ndigbo legends. The Iya Oloja of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo was our special guest of honour.
Her presence alone at that event says much about the kind of co operation and relationship we enjoy from our host community which is Lagos. There have been many other events and many are also lined up for the Christmas season.
How are you able to do this?
First, I give God the glory. I also thank the executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for all his supports and encouragement. I must place this on record that most of our Ndigbos who God has blessed have been supporting us wonderfully. Whenever we approach them for supports, they don’t disappoint. I thank them all.
2020 is gradually coming to an end. What are the highlights of your activities?
As the year draws to a close, we have our line up activities for our members especially welfare. We will be rolling out soon.
Governor Dave Umahi of your State, Ebonyi has just joined APC. What is your reaction?
Governor Dave Umahi is my brother and friend. He is a mature man whose decision should be respected. He must have thought it over before he took that decision. So, I don’t have anything against his decision. I completely align with his decision.
Besides, he has done so well for my state, Ebonyi. To me, it is not the political party you are that matters. What matters is your character and attitude. Therefore, Governor Dave Umahi’s excellent character which he has used to develop Ebonyi State to the level it is will still reflect wherever he goes.
I know Governor Dave Umahi means well for Ebonyi. I believe the decision he took is for the overall interest of Ebonyi people.
It is the same thing I do in Lagos by supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I align with the governor for the benefits of Lagos Ndigbos.
In Lagos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not in opposition to the sitting governor. We are supporting him and he is also supporting us.
Professionally, I am an art collector and I have the biggest art museum in West Africa. Ordinarily, I will not hesitate to deploy cultural artifact to enhance the cultural angle of Ebonyi State for global attraction but my governor does not seem to be very disposed to art but I am ready and available to always support him in any way I can.
Have you met him to share these discussions?
Of course, we have met before. But we don’t see often because of his busy schedules. I am even planning to visit him soon anytime his protocol officers give the green light.
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