By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Igbo community in Cross River State has called for stronger collaboration with the state government, while urging its members to remain united, peaceful and contribute more to the state’s economic development.
The appeal followed the election of new executives of the Igbo Community in Calabar on Thursday, which produced Sir Kenneth Okpalaeke as president.
Stakeholders described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.
President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Cross River State chapter, Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, commended members for their orderly conduct and urged the new leadership to see its mandate as a call to selfless service.
“Leadership is about service. The new president should continue to promote unity among Igbos and sustain the peaceful atmosphere we have built over the years,” he said.
Egwuonwu also reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the Cross River State Government, stressing that the organisation remained non-partisan while supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of Igbos in the state.
A member of the Igbo Council of Chiefs, Sir Livinus Ihezie, described the poll as the most peaceful in the community’s history. He urged the new leadership to preserve the existing unity and prioritise the construction of a permanent Igbo Community Hall in Calabar.
Ihezie appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to facilitate the restoration of land earlier allocated to the Igbo community to make the project a reality.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Non-Indigenous Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, also lauded the peaceful election, saying it reflected the prevailing peace in the state. He urged the new executive to sustain harmonious relations with the government and support its development agenda.
In his acceptance speech, Okpalaeke pledged to prioritise unity, self-reliance and community development. He said his administration would mobilise members to fund projects through voluntary contributions, with the proposed Igbo Community Hall as a flagship project.
He also promised welfare programmes for elderly and vulnerable members, while urging Igbos in the state to remain law-abiding and continue contributing positively to the socio-economic development of Cross River.
