The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political group Afenifere has stated that it is willing to work with Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other ethnic groupings in order to promote the growth of Nigeria. Afenifere congratulated Ohanaeze for choosing President-General John Azuta-Mbata to lead the new Executive Council in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi. Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti is credited with making the comment, which underlined how crucial ethnic unity is to the advancement of the country. Afenifere’s dedication to collaborating with other ethnic groups such as Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, and Pan Niger Delta Forum was reiterated by Fasoranti.
Many leaders emerged from the peaceful elections held in Enugu State for Ohanaeze’s leadership, including Chief Okey Nwadinobi as Deputy President and Emeka Sibeidu as Secretary-General. Prominent sociocultural groups in Nigeria that represent the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groupings are Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, respectively. Founded in 1998, Afenifere has played a significant role in advancing the interests of the Yoruba people, especially in the areas of political representation, cultural preservation, and regional autonomy. Likewise, established in 1976, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the highest authority representing the Igbo, emphasising togetherness, promoting culture, and tackling socio-political issues that the Igbo community faces.
They hope to advocate for constitutional changes.
Both groups have had a big impact on Nigerian politics, frequently influencing national conversations on topics like ethnic relations, federalism, and resource control. A new era in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership has begun with the recent election of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the organization’s president-general. As a former senator from Rivers East, Azuta-Mbata brings a plethora of expertise to the position. During his acceptance speech, he underlined the value of Igbo unity and pledged to work with other ethnic groups to promote national progress.
He added, “Our strength lies in our unity, and together with other ethnic nationalities, we can build a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous.” Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s cooperation is essential to Nigeria’s progress as a nation. In the past, both groups have argued for reorganising the Nigerian federation to give more regional autonomy and control over its resources. They hope to advocate for constitutional changes that support decentralisation and fair resource allocation by banding together and putting up a single front in discussions with the federal government.
National integration has historically been hampered by ethnic tensions.
It is anticipated that their combined efforts will solve persistent marginalisation problems and advance inclusive government. In order to address Nigeria’s socio-political issues, unity among its many ethnic groups is crucial. National integration has historically been hampered by ethnic tensions, which have resulted in disputes and impeded progress. By encouraging communication, understanding, and collaboration, groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo are essential in overcoming ethnic differences. Their cooperation can act as a template for other groups, creating a feeling of national identity that is independent of ethnicity.
Addressing problems like economic inequality, insecurity, and Corruption requires such unity in order to create a more stable and prosperous Nigeria. Promoting unity among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups is crucial to the stability and advancement of the country. Through their advocacy for policies that address the collective objectives of their respective communities, organisations such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo play crucial roles in building this unity. For instance, both parties have repeatedly demanded that Nigeria be restructured in order to guarantee a more fair allocation of political representation and resources.
Related Article: Afenifere, Ohanaeze, ACF push for regionalism
In Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape, Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo play important roles. Through solidarity and group advocacy, their partnership, led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has the potential to further national progress. Addressing the problems facing the country and making sustained progress still depend heavily on promoting harmony among Nigeria’s ethnic groupings. The pursuit of a governance framework that takes into account Nigeria’s ethnic variety and national unity are demonstrated by such cooperative efforts. These groups hope to reduce ethnic tensions and foster national cohesion by collaborating to create a more inclusive political environment.