The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as the South-South Zonal Director of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring Team.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation described the appointment as a recognition of Olejeme’s administrative experience, political knowledge and grassroots mobilisation capacity.
In a statement signed by its Acting Global Youth Leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Ohanaeze said Olejeme, who is also the Vice President-General of the organisation, possesses the experience required to coordinate election planning, strategy and campaign monitoring across the South-South region.
Okpalaezeukwu described Olejeme as a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and philanthropist whose humanitarian activities have earned her considerable goodwill across the country.
Ohanaeze Defends Olejeme Against Allegations
The organisation also dismissed allegations against Olejeme, describing them as attempts by her detractors to undermine her achievements, particularly during her tenure as Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Ohanaeze, while referring to a legal position attributed to Dr. Peter Chidera, a legal practitioner and former Global Deputy Legal Adviser of the organisation, said allegations of criminal conduct should not be treated as proof of guilt without a conviction by a competent court.
It cited Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which provides for the presumption of innocence until a person is proved guilty by a court of law.
Group Highlights Olejeme’s NSITF Record
The organisation further highlighted Olejeme’s record as the first woman appointed Chairman of the NSITF Board, saying she played a significant role in the revival and repositioning of the agency.
According to Ohanaeze, Olejeme was instrumental in efforts that culminated in the enactment of the Employees’ Compensation Act in December 2010 and the establishment of the human and physical infrastructure required for its implementation.
The organisation also credited her with facilitating the employment of thousands of Nigerian graduates from across the six geopolitical zones during her tenure.
It said her tenure was particularly notable for her advocacy for improved compensation and protection for workers in both the public and private sectors.
“Her appointment as Chairman of the NSITF Board was phenomenal, as she relentlessly led the campaign for adequate compensation for workers in both the private and public sectors,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reiterated its support for Olejeme and expressed confidence in her ability to contribute effectively to the APC’s election planning, coordination and monitoring efforts in the South-South region.
