Igbos are the largest tribe in Africa – Onye-isi Ndigbo  Let’s embrace a new orientation where pursuit of money isn’t ultimate – President, Ndigbo

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The Onye-isi-Ndigbo of Delta Central and South Senatorial districts, Sir Peter Chibueze Chukwu says recent research has shown that Ndigbo both home and in Diaspora is the largest tribe in Africa, with a population put at over 40million.

Sir Peter Chukwu who is the former President and founder of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Delta Central and South made the declaration at the Warri City Stadium during the celebration of the 2010 Igbo day held at the Warri City Stadium.

Sir Peter Chukwu who was early this year confirmed as the Igbo traditional head in Delta Central and South by the apex pan Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo at Ugwashiukwu in Delta State, averred that if all Igbos implement the theme of this year’s celebration which is one voice, they “will stand very tall in the world”. According to him, Igbo culture and tradition is a good brand which “has contributed immensely to the high rating of our Nollywood” industry. While describing Ndigbo as very mobile and versatile people who usually accept the culture of the various ethnic nationality that host them in Diaspora, Sir Chukwu traced the socio-cultural link the Igbos have with the Jews and opined that the celebration of Igbo day at the time the Yunkipur festivals of the Jews are about to start underscores their cultural ties. He bemoaned the present situation where many Igbo youths can neither write nor speak good Igbo language, even as he appealed to the Delta State government to assist Ndigbos resident in the state by making it possible for registration officers to establish registration centres near every Igbo market location across Delta Central and South senatorial district to make voters’ registration easy for them.

In his keynote address at the ceremony, current President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Delta Central and South, Chief A.E. Ogbuanu enjoined Igbos to do a soul searching and embrace a new orientation where the ultimate goal is not the pursuit of money, but the re-directing of focus and energies towards the enthronement of their collective benefits. The Ndigbo kingpin observed that unlike the Yoruba and Itsekiri of Delta State who had diplomatic contacts with the white man for centuries, the Igbos have within 30years of involvement in education, economic and political pursuits become the fastest industrializing economy in the world compared to the “Asian Tigers of today”, who “came to the Igbos to copy the magic of our agrarian and industrial exploits”. He appealed to the Delta State government to assist the Igbos resident in the state with buses to enable them mobilize their people at Sapele, Koko, Ozoro, Bomadi, Ughelli, Abraka and other towns in the state for a stronger Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

In a special message at the occasion, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State described the Igbos as the most culturally advance nation in the world. Governor Uduaghan who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN) appreciated the contributions of Igbos towards the development of the state and promised to sustain the “strong affinity”. While promising continuous peaceful environment in the state, Governor Uduaghan enjoined Igbos to take advantage of Warri Port which he described as the second busiest in the country to boost their entrepreneurship.

The Chairman of Igbo day 2010 Planning Committee, Chief Augustine Asimole had earlier in his opening address thanked Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for resolving the 6year old conflict among Igbos in the state and promised support of the Igbos in his re-election bid come 2011.