Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has offered himself to be inducted as a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Disclosing this to reporters in Enugu on Sunday, the national Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Alex Ogbonnia, said that Obasanjo made his willingness to be an honourary member of the pan-Igbo when a delegation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by its Secretary-General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, visited him at Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the weekend.
Members of the delegation included the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Ewoh Igariwey, National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia; Ohanaeze Chieftain, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu; Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha, Founder and President of Vision for Africa and Chief Emeka Udodeme, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter.
Others were Mazi Ambrose Obioha, Admin Manager, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat and Prince Okey Kanu, a Lagos based business consultant.
Ambassador Emuchay, in a presentation of an Ohanaeze birthday cake to the octogenarian, expressed that “the Igbo remember Chief Obasanjo with deep emotional attachment and have come to demonstrate profound love, gratitude and solidarity with him at 85 on March 5.
Emuchay recapitulated the sterling and enviable qualities of Obasanjo that stand him out among his peers.
Ohanaeze had earlier sent a goodwill message to Obasanjo where they recalled with fresh nostalgia, the far-reaching policy that defined the Obasanjo civilian administration, one of which was to hunt Nigerian talents wherever they were found, irrespective of gender, ethnic or religious persuasions.
According to the Ohanaeze Scribe, “It was such a competence driven administration that harvested the robust intellect of notable Igbo sons and daughters to the benefit of the entire Nigeria”
Ohanaeze had in the goodwill message commended Obasanjo for 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.
Obasanjo was reported to have said that there were several socio-cultural groups in Nigeria but Ohanaeze Ndigbo with such endearing visit, passion and affection, has shown a remarkable difference in his life.
He reiterated, “this is the first time, as a private citizen, he is playing host to such well organised socio-cultural body.
He therefore expressed his enthusiasm to be admitted as an honourary member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Chief Obasanjo who was 85 on March 5, is as fit as a fiddle. As part of the ceremonies to mark the event was a novelty football match which was played at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library football pitch.
The ex-president featured in the match as the captain of his team and he played true to type as a captain.
He played with vigour and dexterity as long as the match lasted, to the admiration of the spectators.
Eminent Nigerians and lovers of football including Chief Segun Odegbami watched the thrilling display of an ancient and modern football skills.
Other events that marked the ceremony included Church service, book presentation and goodwill messages from eminent personalities from all walks of life.
The induction of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as an Honourary Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is expected to take place at the Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu in no distant time.