Post Views: 79 By Tony Udemba LAGOS – The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Chapter has taken a significant step towards strengthening the welfare of its members with the adoption of an insurance scheme that guarantees a ₦1 million death benefit for registered members. The landmark decision was announced at the organisation’s Second Monthly General Assembly held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Abesan Stadium in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos. The colourful gathering, presided over by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, High Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto), attracted delegates from all the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across Lagos State, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders and prominent members of the Igbo community. Long before proceedings commenced, thousands of delegates had converged on the venue from different parts of Lagos. Dressed in colourful traditional Igbo attire, the delegates exchanged greetings, renewed old friendships and celebrated their cultural heritage in an atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival. The event reflected not only the rich cultural identity of the Igbo people but also the renewed enthusiasm within the organisation following the emergence of its new leadership. The General Assembly opened with prayers led by Rev. Paul Eze, who sought divine wisdom, guidance and protection for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos. He also prayed for lasting unity within the organisation, urging members still outside the fold to embrace reconciliation and work collectively for the progress of Ndigbo in Lagos. The traditional breaking of kola nut was performed by Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze, who invoked God’s blessings upon the meeting and prayed for the continued protection and prosperity of Ndigbo wherever they reside. He attributed the impressive turnout at the assembly to the people-oriented leadership style and grassroots approach of President Leonard Okafor. Delivering his opening address, High Chief Leonard Okafor expressed appreciation to members for the overwhelming attendance, describing it as a demonstration of renewed confidence in the organisation. He declared that peace and reconciliation had finally returned to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos and assured members that the confidence reposed in his administration would be justified through purposeful leadership. «”I want to assure you all that the confidence reposed in me by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos will never be taken for granted. Rather, it will inspire me to work harder in building an Ohanaeze that every Igbo person, our host community and indeed all Nigerians will be proud of,” he said.» The President disclosed that the Peace and Reconciliation Committee established by his administration was already working tirelessly to reunite aggrieved members and eliminate the divisions that had previously affected the organisation. According to him, the era of internal conflicts and factionalism was over, stressing that all members should embrace peace and join hands in building a stronger, united and more influential Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos. He further pledged to run an administration founded on transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and service to the people, while restoring the political and economic relevance of the organisation within Lagos State. One of the major highlights of the General Assembly was the announcement of a proposed insurance package designed to provide financial support to members and their families. Chief Okafor revealed that every registered member would be entitled to a ₦1 million insurance payout in the event of death upon payment of an annual premium of ₦6,000. According to him, discussions with the insurance provider are at an advanced stage, with additional welfare benefits expected to be incorporated into the scheme so that members can also enjoy its advantages while alive. The announcement was greeted with loud applause from delegates, many of whom described the initiative as one of the most impactful welfare programmes ever introduced by the organisation. The Ohanaeze President also directed Local Government Areas and LCDAs yet to conduct their executive elections to liaise with the Electoral Committee whenever they were ready. He reminded aspirants seeking elective positions that only duly registered members who had fulfilled all membership requirements, including the purchase of nomination forms, would be eligible to contest. Chief Okafor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots participation, explaining that under the new arrangement, State Executive members, Ndi Eze and Ndi Ndu would henceforth sit together with delegates from their respective local councils during meetings to encourage inclusiveness and closer interaction. The General Assembly also attracted notable political figures, including Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State and current African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, as well as Hon. Bisi Yusuf, an APC stalwart and representative of the Bola Tinubu Grassroots Movement. Speaking at the event, Rhodes-Vivour thanked members of Ohanaeze for their unwavering support over the years. He also informed the gathering of the recent passing of his mother and appealed for continued solidarity ahead of her burial ceremonies and his future political engagements. Hon. Yusuf, on his part, praised the resilience, enterprise and contributions of the Igbo people to national development. He urged members to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing the Igbo as a formidable political and economic force whose influence cannot be ignored. Several royal fathers and respected Igbo leaders who addressed the gathering commended President Leonard Okafor for what they described as his visionary and inclusive leadership style. They expressed confidence that his administration would successfully unite Ndigbo in Lagos and reposition Ohanaeze for greater relevance and influence. Adding glamour to the occasion, women’s cultural dance troupes from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Oriade LCDA and other parts of Lagos entertained guests with captivating traditional performances that drew sustained applause from the audience. Among the dignitaries present were High Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto), President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos; Nze Godwin Egboka (Eze Eziokwu), Deputy President; Chief Sunday Udeh, Chairman of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State; Comrade Mike Orji, Secretary; Chief Livinus Okwara, Grand Patron; Eze Christian Nwachukwu, Ezeigbo of Lagos; Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze, Ezeigbo of Alimosho; Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka, Chairman, Council of Ezendigbo in Lagos; Eze Chukwuakalika, Ezeigbo of Oriade; Chief Sunday Ossai, Chief Chris Ekwilo, alongside numerous traditional rulers, community leaders and distinguished guests from across Lagos State. The successful General Assembly not only showcased the renewed unity within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos but also demonstrated the organisation’s determination to prioritise members’ welfare, deepen grassroots participation and strengthen its role as the foremost socio-cultural umbrella body of Ndigbo in Lagos State. Share this PostFacebookXWhatsApp
