From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Convener of “Nkpokote Nsukka” forum, a socio-cultural group in Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State, Mr. Barth Ugwoke has called for unity among the people in order to maintain peace and attract sustainable development to the area.
Ugwoke made the call in Nsukka on Monday during the forum’s Colloquium and Dinner with the theme: “Nkpokote Nsukka Philosophy: Mindset and Concept for Sustainable Development” held at Ikenga Hotels Nsukka.
He said that such a measure would further enhance the well-being of the Nsukka people, stressing that unity among the people will engender peace, guarantee their security as well as pave the way for development.
“Many people had been worried to apprehensions that the concept of Ndi Nsukka ‘ikpokote onwe he onu’ to pursue goals which will uplift the backward position, Nsukka finds itself amongst the committee of her counterparts and contemporaries at both the State and national levels has become a commanding priority with a beckoning agency of now.
“Having regard to our common ancestry, history, and culture, and enjoying a contiguous habitation, we are positive that the critical first step to unifying our efficiencies for greater strides is celebrating our special bond of inclusion and brotherhood. Nsukka is a zone with virtue and values that are universal in acknowledgement as they are essentially unique to the zone.
“Nkpokote Nsukka therefore envisions a forum that will galvanize the wide array of human, institutional, organizational, and even diplomatic resources, to leverage in rekindling the unqualified pride in our Nsukka cultural identity, and secondly, working for the progress of the people of the cultural zone in all spheres of life.
“We look, with well-funded hope, to the forging of a common front in breaking artificial barriers to our unity, individual and collective progress, while recognizing the inalienable rights of our brothers, sisters, and groups in our midst to their choice of social political association based on their ideological and religious persuasions,” he said.
The Convener who maintained that the forum is apolitical, explained further that Nkpokote Nsukka can be said to be Nsukka people coming together in one umbrella in order to brainstorm and chat the best way forward for themselves as a people.
We highlighted the objective of the forum to include; “To pull Nsukka people out from their different conclaves respective of status political party religious and bond together for greater strength and efficiency.
“To preach love and forgiveness among Nsukka people, as well as to place Nsukka interest first in all subject matter, and to appreciate and encourage those who have on their own placed Nsukka interests ahead of their personal gains.
“To embark on evangelism in schools, marketplaces, churches mosques and regularly organizing symposia where we will be inculcating the philosophy of placing Nsukka interest first in all our endeavour.”
Prof. Osita Ogbu, former Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while delivering a lecture on the theme of the Colloquium, urged the people of Nsukka cultural zone to jettison their political and religious differences and get along with each other to shape the future of the area politically and economically.
This was even as he insisted that Nsukka people must develop a positive mindset and should always take risks to break barriers as well as give a good impression of themselves.
Also, Mrs Sally Aduku-Bolujoko, who delivered the sub-lecture on the topic; “Women in Concept of Development; Nkpokote Nsukka in View,” said that unity is the only way Nsukka zone can achieve anything they desire.
Aduku-Bolujoko a former President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and adviser to then President Goodluck Jonathan identified a lack of unity and timidity as one of the factors dragging the zone backwards.
She urged them, especially the women from the zone, to rise and showcase their potential for the interest and development of the area.
In a remark, Senator Okay Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly said that he remains committed to any course that will put Nsukka in its rightful position.
Ezea who is popularly known as Ideke, said that his doors were open for teamwork with other leaders of the zone in order to redeem Nsukka from its marginalized position.
In the same vein, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, the immediate past senator who represented Enugu North senatorial District said that it was time for a true reconciliation that will lead the zone out of this present state of disintegration.
Also, Hon. Eugene Odoh, former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly said that the forum’s objective was apt adding that it will help in leadership accountability.
He appealed to the Nsukka people to open their hearts and pardon leaders from the zone who may not have met their expectations while occupying offices.
The founder of Maduka University Ekwegbe-Nsukka, Evangelist Maduka Onyishi, said that it was good for brothers to commune together for the good of themselves adding, “Nobody should be afraid of attending programmes of Nkpokote Nsukka.
He commended the organizers of the Nkpokote Nsukka Forum, urging that they should increase their tempo in reaching out to all that matter in Nsukka to be part of the forum.
Hon. Chidi Obetta, Member representing Nsukka Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Harrison Ogara, Member representing Igbo-Eze South State Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Sam Otoboeze, President of Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture, among others, were present during the function.