From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday expressed his desire to be inducted as an honorary member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide.
A press statement made available to The AUTHORITY, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo (world wide), Chief Alex Ogbonnia, said Chief Obasanjo expressed this desire when a delegation of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by the organization’s Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay joined some other eminent Nigerians and group in the 85th birthday celebration of the former president, held at Olusegun Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun state.
According to the Ohanaeze spokesman, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, Obasanjo’s quest to be inducted as honorary member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, was one of the major highlights of his 85th birthday celebration.
He quoted Obasanjo to have said,” There are several socio cultural groups in Nigeria but Ohanaeze Ndigbo with such endearing visit, passion and affection has shown a remarkable difference in his life”.
Obasanjo stressed that the visit was the first time he is hosting a pragmatic socio cultural organization, since he became a private (ordinary) citizen. He therefore pleaded to be admitted as an honorary member of the organization.
Presenting a birthday cake to Chief Obasanjo, Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Ambassador Emuchay said the Igbo nation remembers Chief Obasanjo with deep emotional attachment and have come to demonstrate profound love, gratitude and solidarity with him at 85 on March 5.
The Ohanaeze spokes man, Chief Alex Ogbonnia,disclosed that the organization had earlier sent a goodwill message to Obasanjo,in which Ohanaeze commended his characteristic dispositions 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 Olusegun Obasanjo as an Honorary Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is expected to take place at the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, located at No 7 park avenue, Enugu, in no distant time.
