LAGOS AGOG AS CHISCO, ONYEMA, ONIBEJU, EX-CIBN PRESIDENT, OTHERS ATTEND ‘IMO DAY”CELEBRATION IN IBEJU LEKKI
The entire atmosphere in Lagos state and its environs is pleasantly charged and in excitement mood as Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR, Founder, Chisco Group, Mr. Allen Onyema, CON, Chief Executive Officer, Airpeace Nigeria, HRM Oba Waliu Rasaki Olasunkanmi, Onibeju of Ibeju Land/Chairman of Obas and Chiefs in Ibeju Lekki, Dr. Ken Opara, Immediate Past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and other high profile personalities indicate interest to attend Imo Day celebration organized by Imo Improvement Association (IIA) in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
According to a release signed by Ben Igbokwe, media chief of the Imo group, the high-profile event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Godwin Wecoch School compound, near Ibeju-Lekki LGA Secretariat, Igando Oloja, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, by 12noon.
Imo Day celebration which is the first of its kind by any Igbo Community in Ibeju Lekki and Lagos in general, will witness the gathering of all Imo state sons and daughters and theirchildren in Ibeju-lekki and beyond who will boldly celebrate and display their rich cultural heritage with glamour and funfair.
Top on the list of activities lined up by IIA to ensure maximum entertainment and experience by participants and guests include a Keynote Address which would be delivered by Engr. Uche Agbarakwe, a renowned philanthropist and founder of Allied Vytex Nigeria Limited and he will speak on the topic: “Challenges and Prospects of Imolites living in Ibeju Lekki”, Cultural displays, among others.
The highpoint of the event would be the traditional cutting and eating of New Yam in accordance with Igbo tradition, which would be performed by the Chief Host/Grand Patron of IIA, Mr. Uche Akuneziri, who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UCAK Nigeria Limited.
Other distinguished and eminent personalities expected to grace the occasion include Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Executive Chairman, Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, all the Royal Fathers in Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, accomplished imolites and others in Ibeju-Lekki and across Lagos state and beyond.
HRM, Oba Waliu Rasaki Olasunkanmi will serve as the Royal Father of the Day and would be supported by HRM Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Elemoro, the Oni Iwerekun of Iwerekun/Oitedo of Itedo, Lagos and HRH Eze Peter Ifeanyi Asonye, Eze Ohazurume.
Mr. Frank Enendu, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Frajend Group will be the Chairman of the occasion while Mr. Chinedu Ibeagwa, Chairman, Imo Improvement Association will deliver the Welcome Address.
Imo Day was conceived and initiated by Imo Improvement Association to create a conducive atmosphere for Imo indigenesnot only to unwind and celebrate their rich culture but also to interact and celebrate with their host communities with a view to fostering and promoting peace, unity and socio-economic progress among different ethnic nationalities in Ibeju-lekki in particular and Lagos State in General.
It is heart-warning to note that within five years of its existence IIA has accomplished remarkable feats which other socio-cultural groups find difficult to achieve. For instance, the association has initiated some laudable projects and programmes aimed at promoting development and growth in Ibeju Lekki and Lagos State by extension, such as building of its own Hall, organizing socio-cultural activities with a view to fostering unity and cooperation among Imolites and other residents in Ibeju-Lekki and beyond.