Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has called on Igbo youths to put an end to the rising cases of killings and kidnappings in the region and embrace peace.
Chidoka made the appeal in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the 4th Ofala festival of the community and the 14th anniversary of its monarch, Igwe Nnaemeka Obiora, on the throne.
The occasion also saw the traditional ruler bestow chieftaincy titles on 18 individuals, including President Bola Tinubu’s ally, Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, who was honored with the title of “Enyimba” (The People’s Elephant).
Speaking as the chairman of the event, Chidoka expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of violence in the region, particularly in Anambra State.
He lamented that the Igbo, known for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, are now being overshadowed by acts of violence.
Prominent figures, including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, attended the ceremony, further highlighting the significance of the event.
Chidoka emphasised the need for unity and a return to the values that define the Igbo people, urging the youth to focus on building their communities rather than engaging in destructive activities.
“Culture is not static but dynamic as we learn from other cultures and will continue to be civilised. Igbo have a rich cultural heritage, glorious past and rich future as true democrats.
“We believe in freedom, not on holding people hostage. I want to urge you to sustain the tempo. This will bring a lasting solution, and development.
“The insecurity in southeast has become worrisome. The Igbo were not known for killings but as industrious, peaceful, accommodating and lovely.
“Tell your brothers and sisters that we are hardworking people. We are not known for killings and kidnapping. There is no home of community in Igbo land you will come today and they will show a successful retired kidnapper, killer or criminal.
“We make money through hardworking. But you can see the house or someone who retired as a successful business man or civil servant.
“Let us renew our commitment in building a successful society where love, peace and unity will rule forever by joining hands in fighting insecurity.
“That is the only way Igbo land will be saving for us. You remember that when someone is pursued at the foreign land, he will return to his home country. If we don’t fight kidnapping, killings and other Criminalities, where would will run to as homes when we are pursued abroad?”
The monarch praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for driving development in the Achina community through extensive road infrastructure projects and efforts to combat the erosion menace.
KC Ezeanyika, a lawyer and the traditional Prime Minister of Achina, noted that the individuals honored had distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the community and society, making their selection deliberate and well-deserved.
Among the prominent chieftaincy title recipients were Chief Emeka Dimude, Chief Sebastian Ezechukwu, Chief Kenechukwu Obieli, Engr. Cletus Ezenwa, and Cyril Okpala.
Goodwill messages to Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, one of the honorees, came from notable figures, including Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd), Babatunde Fashola, SAN, former Lagos State Governor, Sen. Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Femi Adesina, former Presidential Spokesman, Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, Justice O.O. Fadipe, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Nigeria’s former diplomat, and Catholic Pontiff Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, among others.
