Daily Times hosts national discourse on role of Ndi Igbo in United Nigeria
Patrick Okohue, Lagos
Falling back on its rich historical pedigree, The Daily Times is partnering with Katunga Media, a frontline media services organisation, to convene a public discourse on ‘The Role of Ndi Igbo in a United Nigeria’.
The one-day discourse comes up early January 2018 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to Mr. Fidelis Anosike, publisher of The Daily Times, the issues that continue to threaten the integrity of the country especially as it concerns the perceived marginalisation of the South Eastern geo-political zone and the resultant call by some fringe elements for a secession of the region and a creation of an independent state need to be carefully, and in a responsible manner, discussed within the context of a strong role that Igbo people play in Nigeria and will continue to play as all stakeholders strive towards building a virile and strong Nigeria.
Anosike also disclosed that The Daily Times is emboldened by its belief in the very many positives that come with a united and indivisible Nigeria where all concomitant groups within the federation are given a level playing field to develop and ensure that citizens receive better quality of life and credible infrastructural development.
The recent meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders from the South East zone including the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and Governors of South East states has thrown up a basic rapprochement which has cleared the way for further dialogue with a view to better understanding the issues and proffering practical and immediate execution initiatives thereby muting the continuous cry of marginalisation of the region.
The discourse, according to Mr. Joseph Edgar of Katunga Media, will bring together intellectuals, technocrats, socio-cultural influencers, deep thinkers and the traditional instructions to discuss the issues based on facts and data, while at the same time eschewing myths and deceit in establishing the need for the continuous involvement of the Igbo people in the Nigerian project.
The conference would be a one-day event drawing speakers from a wide spectrum of the society, including the highest levels of government, to the International Conference Centre Abuja, the venue of the summit.
The over one thousand attendees will be feted and entertained by a selection of Igbo cultural groups combined with a display of Igbo cultural artefacts telling the story of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria.
