In a recent inauguration event held in Owerri, Azunna Akpelu, the National President of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, emphasized the organization's mission to foster unity and dispel misconceptions surrounding the Igbo people. According to a report from VANGUARD, Akpelu expressed a strong commitment to bringing together people from both the North and South regions of Nigeria under a unified voice. He stated that it is imperative for the Igbo community to actively participate in national discourse and affairs that directly affect their interests.
Akpelu highlighted the pervasive falsehoods that paint Igbo people as harboring animosity towards other ethnic groups in Nigeria, particularly the Hausa and Yoruba communities. He adamantly refuted these claims, labeling them as deliberate lies aimed at sowing division within the country. Akpelu emphasized the need for Nigerians to unite and confront these falsehoods, stressing that such misconceptions only serve to create unnecessary enmity and hinder national cohesion.
The core mission of Ogbako Ndigbo, as articulated by Akpelu, revolves around rectifying these misconceptions and promoting a narrative of inclusivity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Nigeria. He underscored that the organization's goal is not only to debunk falsehoods but also to actively engage in national issues to ensure that the voice of the Igbo people is heard and respected.
Akpelu further pointed out the importance of visibility and active participation in national affairs, noting that neglecting to assert one's presence leads to marginalization. He urged the Igbo community to stand up against the narratives that seek to vilify them, advocating instead for unity and cooperation with all Nigerian ethnicities for the collective progress of the nation.
In addressing these challenges, Akpelu outlined Ogbako Ndigbo's strategy of proactive engagement and advocacy. He emphasized the organization's role in correcting misconceptions, fostering dialogue, and promoting understanding among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.
According to him, "Ogbako Ndigbo is ready to bring all of us together—the North and South—to speak in one voice. Ndigbo wants to participate in everything that concerns us. The way it is, if you do not say this is the place you are, you will not be noticed. We must come out and stop the lies that are told about us. Again, we are being told lies that Igbo hate Hausa and Igbo hate Yoruba, which is not true. Those saying this are creating enemies in Nigeria, and it is part of the issue we will address and correct."