At Anus Kitchen near Tallaght, the Igbo Union Dublin Executives Inauguration started late last Sunday despite a 6pm time schedule. But when it hit the ground running, the celebration was colourful. The Master of Ceremony were Marcel Okoli and Ngalakwesili Aniekwena. The ceremony was kicked off with the introduction of past leaders of the IUD.
The outfits were bloody as matching red and white were worn by members. In pomp and pageantry, guests were ushered to the high table by the women’s wing called Umunwanyi Ọlaedo.
Opening prayer was said by Elder John Nwobo, the assistant secretary general while deputy leader Elder Rufus Dike and director of socials Raphael Okoye paced around to put the day’s activities on track.
Opening remarks was made by Chike Okebugwu. He poured libation for the new executives and enjoined them to be honest, fearless and just in decision making. The emeritus called on all Igbos in Dublin to join IUD and Ọlaedo. Igbo Union Dublin patron, Chief Linus Offiah admonished the new executives to harken to the advise of the occasion chair in being upright.
The occasion included a Valentine Ball for IUD couples and a toast to that effect was done by Chief Victor Eze. Some of the couples were looking all loved up at the night while women of the ọlaedo showed off in style and fashion.
The inauguration ceremony proper was administered by Rev. Nonso Ilechukwu with a brief message.
The clergy advised the new executives to live up to expectations and leave a lasting legacy for the young generation to emulate.
Ọlaedo chairperson Edith Okoye thanked all especially Dr. Offiah for believing in her and the ‘digital executives’. She asked for support for a purposeful tenure.
Other attractions out of the programme of events include Emily millionaire’s usual act of being on hand to change money into dollars to spray which is a typical Nigerian culture.
In his inaugural speech, Chief Amechi Okafor traversed the remarkable paths Igbo Union Dublin (IUD) have taken. The 15 paragraph inaugural speech highlighted the travails of IUD to becoming what the new leader called “structured and impactful organisation”.
The new Ogidi-born Igbo Union Dublin onyendu, Chief Amechi spoke about challenges: from maintaining active membership due to commitments of diaspora, poor documentation and cultural preservation. Chief Amechi Okafor (Nnabuenyi na Ogidi) spoke of a new chapter in the Igbo Union Dublin. First amongst them is the transparency and democratic principle entrenched.
The Nnabuenyi na Ogidi unfolded his 8 points agenda including: welfare and support, good governance, social engagement, membership and participation, youth and culture, branding and image, prosperity and assets, and finance.
The African Irish Magazine sought opinions on the belief in the incoming executives.
“I am confident of the persons in the executive”, Chike Aniekwena, an IUD stakeholder opined in his views on the inauguration.
In their usual pomp and pageantry, the ọlaedo women looking colourful and we’ll rehearsed ushered-in each high table guest with dance and honour. The occasion was filled with excitement, culture and purpose.
There were enough to eat, drink and merry with.
Notable guests were members of the Obi nwanne social club of Ireland and affiliate groups under the Igbo Union Dublin.
A roll call of the new IUD Executives (Men) include:
- Chief Amechi Okafor – Onyendu/Leader
- Elder Rufus Dike – Osoteq Onyendu/Deputy Leader
- High Chief Polycarp Anyanwu – Secretary Gen.
- Chief Kenneth Edeh – Financial Secretary
- Mr. Oscar Ohazulike – Treasurer
- Chief Mike Erugo – Public Relations Officer
- High Chief Patrick Chudi Emeh – Principal Igbo Language School
- Chief Raphael Okoye – Director of Socials
- Mr. Collins Nwafor – Provost
- High Chief Nkem Agomuo – Asst. Director of Socials
- Elder John Nwobo –
Asst. Secretary General
Ọlaedo Executives include:
- Mrs. Edith Okoye – Onyeisi/Leader
- Mrs. Ebele Okebugwu – Osote Onyeisi/Deputy Leader
- Mrs. Helen Enyinnaya – General Secretary
- Mrs. Chioma Nwafor – Financial Secretary
- Mrs. Angela Ukaga – Director of Socials
- Mrs. Emily Alisigwe – Treasurer
- Mrs. Chikodi Okonkwo – Public Relations Officer
- Mrs. Onyinyechi Rogers – Provost
- Mrs. Chinenye Eczema – Asst. Director of Socials
- Asst. General Secretary
Written by staff reporter,
The African Irish
