From Magnus Eze, Enugu
• Igbo leaders at Enugu retreat
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will before the end of this year, publish two books on the authentic narrative of the Igbo of Nigeria.
President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who disclosed this at the just-concluded retreat of Igbo leaders in Enugu said the titles of the books are “This is Our Story” and “Builders of New Igboland,” respectively.
Iwuanyanwu
According to him, “This is Our Story,” as the name implies will present the true account of Igbo experience in Nigeria since 1914 till date.
The book will be written by the Committee on Reconciliation and Peace Building in Nigeria led by Dr. Dominic Okechukwu with some top Igbo literary giants supporting them.
On the ‘Builders of New Igboland,’ Iwuanyanwu said the “book will contain the names, pictures, financial and other contributions of all Igbo who during this critical period in our history, contributed towards the transformation of our land.
“You will recollect that in 1970, when the Nigeria Civil War ended, with No victor, No vanquished. The 3Rs-Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction were the critical factors on which the peace deal of no victor, no vanquished stood.
“Regrettably, up till now these have not been accomplished.”
He applauded the Okechukwu-led Committee, saying it has done a wonderful work towards creating true peace and reconciliation between Igbo and other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Iwuanyanwu also said that the group will liaise with Governors of South East States to work out modalities for Inter-State Competition in athletics, football and other sporting activities, as a way of immortalising Igbo heroes like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. M.I. Okpara, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and others.