Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide addressing the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu
In a remarkable display of commitment to improving the living conditions of Ndigbo as their leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worlwide, made a passionate plea for the establishment of a British Visa office in the southeast region. This significant request was made during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Chief Iwuanyanwu, a respected figure known for his dedication to the welfare of his people, emphasized that the southeast zone accounted for over sixty percent of Nigerians traveling to the United Kingdom. He pointed out the unfairness of subjecting them to the inconvenience of traveling to Abuja or Lagos to obtain their visas. The seasoned leader’s appeal carried weight, as he highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the British government.
Furthermore, Chief Iwuanyanwu called for bilateral collaboration to foster the growth and development of the southeast region’s economy. He candidly addressed the prevailing issue of insecurity, which has manifested in the form of the Monday sit-at-home protests. This disturbance, he explained, poses a significant challenge to the region’s economy. Nevertheless, he assured the audience that the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is diligently working to overcome this obstacle.
To facilitate economic progress, Chief Iwuanyanwu announced the impending establishment of a business council comprised of prominent businessmen within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the British High Commission for mutual economic benefits. Emphasizing the importance of education and agriculture, he affirmed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo places a premium on these sectors to actively engage the region’s young population and mitigate social issues.
Responding to Chief Iwuanyanwu’s impassioned appeal, Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner, acknowledged his tour of the southeast as an opportunity to explore areas of mutual collaboration with the British government. He pledged continued advocacy for peace within Nigeria, expressing delight at the efforts made by the Igbo people in the overall development of the country.
This meeting between Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Iwuanyanwu and the British High Commissioner showcased the Chief’s unwavering commitment to advancing the well-being of the Ndigbo community. Through his call for a British Visa office in the southeast, as well as his focus on economic development, education, and agriculture, Chief Iwuanyanwu reaffirmed his dedication to improving the lives of the Ndigbo people and driving progress in the region. The support and interest expressed by the British High Commissioner underscored the significance of this endeavor and the potential for fruitful collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
SKJ