In a significant display of unity and commitment to the mission and vision of the Obinwannem Foundation worldwide, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Amb. Patrick Okoro, the revered traditional ruler of Mkpunano Kingdom in Nsuka, Enugu State, has pledged his wholehearted support.
This momentous declaration took place during an online discussion between Igwe Dr. Okoro and Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu, the General Director of Obinwannem, which was meticulously covered by Obinwannem’s Media Director in Nsuka, Nwada Chinedu Nnaji, and compiled by their General Secretary, Mazi Osita Benjamin Jr. Chinonso.
The conversation began with warm greetings in their native dialect, recognizing Igwe Dr. Patrick Okoro as a true son of the land. Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu introduced himself and shared his vision for the Umu Igbo people. He paid respectful homage to the traditional ruler and provided insight into his family background, revealing the names of his immediate family members, all hailing from Amaji Umukashi, Nsuka in Enugu State. His family, consisting of Chigbo, Obiageli, Ukamaka, and Chidubem, were acknowledged as pillars of his journey.
Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu, in his introduction of Obinwannem to Igwe Dr. Patrick Okoro, shared the motivation behind the formation of the foundation. He cited his experiences within the Nigerian political system and his extensive involvement with the National Youth Council of Nigeria. Additionally, he highlighted the challenging conditions faced by Igbo people in various parts of the world and expressed concern that Western religions and culture had overshadowed traditional beliefs and customs. This cultural erosion led to the perception of ancestral beliefs as evil and erroneous.
Ugwu emphasized that Obinwannem aimed not to sow division but to unite all Igbo sons and daughters scattered worldwide under the banner of unity and trust, symbolized by Obinwannem. His service in IPOB, both at the district and national levels in South Korea and Ukraine, illustrated his commitment to the Igbo cause and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
During the discussion, HRH Igwe Dr. Amb. Patrick Okoro wholeheartedly pledged his support to Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu, considering him as a beloved son, and to Obinwannem Ndị Igbo Global for their visionary and courageous goals. He graciously accepted the role of the Traditional Father (Grand Patron) of Obinwannem and expressed his delight and hope in the association’s objectives. The traditional ruler assured Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu that he would be available for guidance and support, and he affirmed that the entire Igwe in Council endorsed this collaboration.
To seal this significant moment, Igwe Dr. Patrick Okoro offered prayers for Mazi Ugwu Okechukwu, Obinwannem worldwide, and all Igbo people scattered across the globe. With Ọjị (kola nut) representing divine connection to forefathers during prayers, Nzu symbolizing purity and peace, and in the name of the land and its spirits, the blessings were conferred in the mighty name of Chukwu Okike Abiama, with a resounding chorus of “Isseee… Iseeee.. Iseeee.”
This significant show of support from Igwe Dr. Amb. Patrick Okoro signifies a crucial step forward in uniting and empowering the global Igbo community to preserve their culture and heritage.
