A prominent Igbo leader and President-General of Nri Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Kelvin Obiegbunam has called on the Igbo all over the world to unite and work together for peace and progress in Igboland.
Obiegbunam who made the plea on Saturday, 20th February, 2021 at the beginning of a new calendar year (Igu Aro) in Igboland, praised the people for their commitment to Igbo culture, and also for keeping faith. The cultural fiesta which is a highly anticipated event that signals the dawn of a new era for the Igbo all over the world holds annually in Nri, the ancestral home of the Igbo.
“As we celebrate today, I wish to stress that unity remains central to our collective progress and peace. So, as a people, we must constantly and consciously work together for our well-being today and the years to come. I believe this is achievable and I urge all of us to double our efforts as we begin this new and important year.
“I also feel very happy that every year, God keeps us alive to celebrate every beginning of the year in good health and great expectation. I look forward to more years of celebration as I enjoin our people to go out, plant and expect a bountiful harvest.
“However, I hasten to add that all that has happened here today in Nri, Anambra State has consequences for the Igbo all over Nigeria, whether as Igbo you are in the core Igbo states or the adjoining states like Rivers, Delta, Edo, Benue or other states where Igbos are found. That is the spirit and the blessings of the day are available to us as distance and location will never a barrier”.
On the state of development of the town and his vision for Nri as President-General of Nri Kingdom, Obiegbunam reassured his people of a great and prosperous future ahead.
“Evidently, the initiative of a unified Igu Aro Ndi Igbo has once again strengthened the bond and trust we share together as brothers, and also as a people, and the blessings are culminating into progress for the town.
“Nevertheless, it is obvious that we are gradually coming closer to that very critical and sensitive stage of our town and on this note, I wish to once again sue for peace, love and unity which will definitely culminate into our most desired progress and development. This however has always been the drive of my administration.
“Finally, let me once again reassure you all that my administration has not relented in bringing development to our community, the latest being the Onungene and Sir Clemslfezue’s road construction, street lighting project, the Nri Civic Centre (and many more) which is in top gear, ably facilitated by our own wife, distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom).
“I wish to conclude by saying that all efforts which we all are putting to make our ancient Nri Kingdom great again will never be in vain. Be assured of my administration’s commitment and drive towards the Progress, Peace, Unity and more development”, he concluded.
The yearly celebration of Igu Aro in Nri amidst pomp and pageantry has existed now for over a thousand years. In fact, this is the 1022nd event. And the events of Saturday, 20 February did not only remind the people of their rich cultural heritage, it also ignited the spirit of communality, strength, purpose and togetherness as the Igbo from far and near converged on the Palace of Eze Nri for the day-long annual and memorable ceremony.
After the elaborate cultural and colourful ceremonies involving everyone, the people departed to their different villages, communities and clans to begin a New Year of hope, peace, bountiful harvest and great anticipation.
