During a recent event in Owerri, Azunna Akpelu, the National President of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, underscored the organization's mission to promote unity and dispel myths about the Igbo community. According to VANGUARD, Akpelu is dedicated to uniting people from both Northern and Southern Nigeria under a common cause. He stressed the importance of the Igbo community's active involvement in national discussions and affairs that impact their interests.
Akpelu addressed the widespread false narratives that depict Igbo people as hostile toward other ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa and Yoruba. He firmly rejected these accusations, calling them intentional lies meant to create division. Akpelu stressed the necessity for Nigerians to come together to challenge these misconceptions, noting that such falsehoods only foster unnecessary hostility and hinder national unity.
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The primary mission of Ogbako Ndigbo, as outlined by Akpelu, is to correct these false narratives and promote inclusivity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Nigeria. He emphasized that the organization aims not only to dispel falsehoods but also to ensure the Igbo community's voice is heard and respected in national matters.
Akpelu also highlighted the importance of visibility and active participation in national affairs, warning that failing to assert one's presence leads to marginalization. He called on the Igbo community to stand against narratives that seek to vilify them and advocated for unity and cooperation with all Nigerian ethnicities for the nation's collective progress.
In addressing these challenges, Akpelu detailed 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.
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As per The Vanguard, He remarked, "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."