New group out to champion the course of Ndigbo and Nigerians

Igbo socio-cultural group – Ndigbo Buru Otu has risen to render help to the helpless and give succor to the down and out. With members that cut across every part of Nigeria and beyond, the group is positioned to represent an oasis of hope in a desert of despair, for the love of humanity.

While some groups thrive on violent agitations and hate speeches, the leaders of this group say they have taken it upon themselves to liberate Nigerians, especially of Igbo extraction from poverty’s dark cell and give them a shoulder to cry upon.

Established about two years ago partly as a platform for uniting and providing support in every aspect of life to Igbo sons and daughters in Nigeria and abroad, Ndigbo Buru Otu comprises of young men and women, mostly entrepreneurs, businessmen and traders who have decided to carry their cross by themselves.

Speaking on the essence and activities of the group, the Vice President of the association, Princewill Chigozie, told The Daily Times that the group was not formed to pursue any political cause.

“We are a social and charity group set up for members to provide assistance to Igbos and other Nigerians. Ndigbo Buru Otu as a body has empowered many individuals and families in the society and we have recently acquired land to build houses for people dwell at greatly subsidised rates in Lagos state.

“The rents will not only be subsidised, we want members to live there and pay rent only when they have the money to pay. As I speak, the group has stock up rice for distribution to people in need this Christmas.

“We formed the association early last year mainly for the Igbos in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. If you are an Igbo man married to a Yoruba woman, you are a member. If you are an Igbo woman married to a Yoruba man, you are also a member.”

Chigozie stressed again for emphasis that Ndigbo Buru Otu is an association which vision is “To help ourselves. We are not political Entity and we are not intimidating anybody. We give loans and financial support to members who have problems.

Our memberships spread to in Brazil; they come to join us and after completing their registration they return to their base. Also they join us in our meetings.

“We also Work with Nigerian Police Force. The former Police Commissioner in Lagos State used to be with us at our meetings and give us security tips.”

It was gathered also that the group has set up a Cooperative Society in the association, for members to have easy access to many good things of life.

Speaking on the activities of the association, Another member of the group, Obiageli Christian Alegbu told our correspondent that she joined the association because of the need to unite with fellow Igbos in Lagos.

“It was important to belong to the association because of the several forms of assistance members are given to enjoy. I love what they are doing and as an Igbo woman, I decided to join the association.

“You can’t be intimidated as an Igbo person and as a member, if you have problems, the Chairman will give you brotherly assistance,” Alegbu said.

One Mrs Joy Madukwe, another female member said that the association has put smiles in the faces of many less privileged individuals in the society.

“I joined the association because of its support to the needy and I found it very helpful – not only to the Igbos, but to everyone.

“They are solving problems, especially for less privileged Nigerians. Igbos in Lagos have accommodation issues because landlords are not admitting Igbos as tenants. If you buy land as an Igbo man or woman, you are bound to lose it if you don’t have back up connection,” Madukwe said.