From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Dormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his desire to be inducted as an honorary member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
A press statement made available to The AUTHORITY and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,Chief Alex Ogbonnia, stated that Chief Obasanjo expressed this desire when a delegation of the leadership of Ohanaeze led by the organization’s Secretary General, Amb. Okey Emuchay, joined other eminent Nigerians and groups in the 85th birthday celebration of the former president at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun state.
According to the Ohanaeze spokesman, Obasanjo’s quest to be inducted as honorary member was one of the major highlights of his 85th birthday celebration.
He quoted Obasanjo to have said that there are several socio-cultural groups in Nigeria but Ohanaeze Ndigbo with such endearing visit, passion and affection, showed a remarkable difference in his life.
Obasanjo stressed that the visit was the first time he was hosting a pragmatic socio-cultural organization since he became a private citizen.
He thereafter pleaded to be admitted as an honorary member of the organization.
Presenting a birthday cake to Chief Obasanjo, the Ohanaeze delegation led by Amb. Emuchay told him that the Igbo nation has deep emotional attachment with Obasanjo which was why they came to demonstrate profound love, gratitude and solidarity with him at his 85the birthday.
On his part, Chief Ogbonnia, disclosed that the organization had earlier sent a goodwill message to Obasanjo, in which it commended his disposition for equity and justice, especially as it pertains to the general outcry for the Igbo to produce a Nigerian President in 2023.
Chief Ogbonnia revealed that the induction ceremony of Chief Obasanjo as an Honorary Member would take place at the national headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at No 7 Park Avenue, Enugu, in no distant time.
