The prime Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has visited the Alaba International Market after the demolition by the Lagos State Government of many shops in the largely dominated market.
Ohanaeze in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, disclosed that the President General Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, visited the market and sympathised with the affected traders and pledged to set up a committee to look into the issues and report back to Ohanaeze for onward transmission to the South East governors and leaders.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, according to the statement, paid a fact-finding visit to Alaba International Market (AIM) Lagos for an on-the-spot assessment of tragedy that befell the Igbo traders in the Alaba market.
Chief Iwuanyanwu expressed deep grief over the extent and worth of the demolitions, and the huge loss of goods.
He commended the Igbo spirit of hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and resilience and assured the traders that with the Almighty, they will definitely overcome the immediate challenges.
The Igbo Leader explained that if a Nigerian can buy property in any part of the world, there is no reason a Nigerian will have his/her property demolished in any part of Nigeria, at very short notice, and without justifications.
He asked the Igbo traders to remain unfazed and in high spirit, assuring them that he will stand against any form of injustice against any Igbo, anywhere and anytime.
The Ohanaeze President, however, expressed immense delight over the warm reception by the thousands of Ndigbo that trouped out to receive him and the members of Ohanaeze delegation.
Other members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the delegation include Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ichie Damian Okeke Ogene, Vice President General; Rt. Hon. Chiedozie Alex. Ogbonnia, PhD, National Publicity Secretary; Chief Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Eze, Treasurer; Barrister C .J Ihemedu, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo.
Earlier in his speech, the President of the Alaba International Market (AIM), Chief Camilus Amajuoyi expressed immense gratitude to Chief Iwuanyanwu and members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for responding to their yearnings over the “callousness meted the Igbo population in Alaba market”.
Amajuoyi expressed surprise that soon after their support for His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his reelection for a second term in Office, “the authorities of the Lagos State have served them with a calamity that can only be contemplated on an enemy zone in a wartime”.
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