By Chidi Levi
Cross River state chapter of an Igbo socio- cultural organisation, Igbo Congress, will on Sunday, May 9 roll out the drums to celebrate persons of Igbo extraction holding political offices in the Government of Cross River.
The body will also use the opportunity to show appreciation to the State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade for finding Igbo sons and daughters worthy of appointments into his Government.
Besides Igbo appointees in the Ayade Government, Igbo Congress will also honour sons and daughters of the race who have excelled in various fields.
A press statement signed by the president of the group, Prince Raymond Atulomah and Nze Chuks Agbarakwe,
Chairman (Central Planning Committee) said: “We are honouring some distinguished Igbo personalites who have contributed to humanity, especially those appointed into the government of Cross River by His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade.
“They are Barrister Ugoji Nwabueze, Senior Special Assistant to Gov Ben Ayade on Non-indigene Affairs, Hon. Chidiebere Onyemaizu, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Governor Ben Ayade, Dr. Nacy Irek, Senior Special Assistant, Information and Hon. Justice A Onyebueke, Presiding Judge, Akamkpa High Court”
The statement further stated: “The ceremony became imperative so that we will also use the opportunity to say thank you to His Excellency Professor Ben Ayade who found some of us worthy to be appointed into his cabinet, which is a novelty.
“An Igbo adage says that when you thank somebody for what he has done he would be moved to do more. To our brother, Professor Ayade, we say thank you for remembering Ndi Igbo and enjoin you to please do more as we are solidly behind you especially in the area of industrialization of the state.”
Also to be honoured at the event is Dr. Uche Ogar, Minister of State, Mines & Steel.
The event which will be Chaired by Prof. Rufus Okoro of Physics Department, University of Calabar, will hold at Gomez Hotel, Atekong Drive, Calabar.
It would be preceded by a Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Navy Barracks, IBB Way, Calabar. by 8:00am.
The event will, also, feature Igbo cultural shows and display of Igbo cuisines.
Governor Ayade is expected as Special Guest of Honour.
Other high profile dignitaries expected to grace the event include Chief Gideon Ihezie (CEO, Gimpet Oil Nigerian Ltd) and Chief Fidelis O. Onyebueke ( Grand Patron, Ohanaeze, Cross River state chapter).
