From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
As part of the programmes to demonstrate her willingness to host the traditional and cultural arm of the African Descendants in Diaspora Union, AFRIDU members historical home coming, the Imo State Government, under the Ministry of Tourism,Hospitality and Culture, has inaugurated a committee christened, Imo State Diaspora Chieftaincy Conferment Committee, (I.D.C.C.C).
Barr. Jerry Egemba, the Honourable Commissioner in charge of the Ministry who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma, performed the swearing in ceremony last weekend at the Executive office of the Chairman, (Eze-Imo) Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Mbari Street Owerri, with the council Chairman, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke, CFR as the Chairman of the 10 man committee comprising exclusively members of Imo State Traditional Rulers Council.
Egemba informed that the international event is scheduled for Friday October 18th, as an arrival date while Saturday October 19th, 2024 is the proper event which entails the cultural heritage third leg of AFRIDU’s initiatives, and will be hosted at the Secretariat of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, other legs of AFRIDU are citizenship right and investment which would be done by the Presidency in Abuja.
The Commissioner informed the committee of the great expectations from them and expressed optimism that they will do the needful towards the State commitments in hosting successfully the African descendants from the countries in America, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.
He further highlighted the need for proper planning and execution, aimed at making a historical impact and uplifting the State image and credibility.
While thanking the Governor for fostering a conducive environment that will guarantee seamless hosting of the homecoming event, he also disclosed of a subsequent business summit that would be tailored towards attracting funding for various projects, which will also help in creating job opportunities for the unemployed in the State.
Responding, Eze Okeke, who is also the Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for offering them the opportunity to contribute to the State’s developmental and transformational agendas.
He pledged on behalf of members of the committee for their commitments in making the State proud, emphasizing that the event symbolizes recognition and justice for Africans displaced by slavery.
Recall that AFRIDU (global) which was originally registered as a Non Governmental Organization, NGO in South Africa, AFRIDU is now an affiliate of the African Union (AU) and serves to protect the business interests of people of African descent globally.
This year’s event coincides with the federal government’s initiative to recognize the citizenship rights of diasporans wishing to invest in Nigeria.
Thus, Imo State Government, under Governor Uzodimma, is collaborating with the Federal Government to facilitate this significant event, which will include Conferrement of traditional chieftaincy titles on returning diasporans.
Earlier, the governing council of AFRIDU’s Imo State branch convened for their inaugural meeting, chaired by prominent entrepreneur Okenze I. Obinna.
Obinna underscored the significance of the homecoming event and encouraged council members to actively participate in its success. The meeting addressed various logistical issues, including shortlisting participants for the business summit and establishing subcommittees.
The Vice Chairman of the governing council, HRH Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe (Obi Gburugburu), expressed optimism about the event’s impact and vowed to contribute meaningfully. A total of 36 members were shortlisted for the central working committee, with seven members each designated for subcommittees focused on Chieftaincy Titles, Media & Publicity, Entertainment, Logistics, Security, Finance, and Investment.
In the inauguration of the subcommittee for Chieftaincy Titles Conferrement adjustments were made to include missing names of Royal Fathers and which also include the composition of the sub-committees, fostering collaboration and teamwork within the committee.
This event promises to strengthen tiers among the African diasporans and enhance the cultural heritage of the region, highlighting Imo State’s commitment in recognizing and celebrating its global African family.
