Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, a former Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri and erstwhile National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, was over the weekend elected as the President of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), the Igbo think-tank organization.
A former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Chief Abia Onyike, was also elected as the General Secretary.
The election which took place at the Enugu residence of the former Minister of Power, Prof Bath Nnaji, effectively brought to an end the over 10-year reign of Prof Uzodinma Nwala, as the President of the group.
“Addressing members of the group before the election, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of ADF, Bishop Udezuo Onubogu, stated that the election is rebirth of the Igbo Think-tank which was an outcome of the 2014 colloquium on “the Igbo question.”
The BOT Chairman who recounted how the ADF was birthed in the same home of Prof Bath Nnaji in 2014 called on all the aspirants for the various positions to see the new venture as a call to duty for Ndigbo.
Bishop Onubogu after his welcome address moved a motion dissolving the former Executive Council led by Prof. U T. Nwala, and the motion was seconded by Barr. Max Ozoaka. Immediately the former Exco was dissolved the Chairman of the four-man electoral committee, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa took over the process and subsequently conducted the election.
81 delegates from across Nigeria were accredited to vote. After all the votes cast were counted, both the new President and Secretary secured all the 81 votes cast.
Other members of the new exco include, Dr. Jerry Chukwuokolo, Deputy Vice President; Engr. Ike Nwandu, Deputy National Secretary; Barr. Max Ozoaka, National Legal Adviser and Dr. Onyi Gbujie, National Financial Secretary.
Others are, Maazi Chukwuemeka Obinwugo; National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Arinze Nwosu, National Treasurer; Mr. Zulu Ofoelue, Organising Secretary and Lolo Nneka Chimezie, National Welfare Secretary.
Earlier in his goodwill message, Prof. Bath Nnaji who is also a member of the BOT reiterated that BOT had to step in to rejig and refocus the ADF to ensure that the original idea of its founding fathers was rejuvenated in the interest of the progress of Igboland and Ndigbo everywhere in the world. The former Minister urged the new exco members to abhor sit-tight syndrome and to realise that their election was a call to solemn service to Ndigbo.
In his acceptance speech, the new President, Prof. Ukachuwu Awuzie thanked all members of the ADF for the confidence reposed on him and all the exco members. He promised that he shall make integrity and accountability the watchword of the new executives.
He said:
“We shall ensure that we do not disappoint you, we shall bring together the ADF and work for the transformation of Alaigbo.
“It is an opportunity to serve and we are going to serve selflessly, committedly and we are going to serve patriotically.
“We shall work in consultations with the leaders, we cannot claim to know all the problems of Ndigbo, so we shall continuously consult widely so that we can lead well to the benefit of our people.
“As a people, we have an existential problem that our progress and future is threatened. So ADF will work with other organs of Alaigbo, and other patriotic associations working for the progress of our people, for our children and posterity.
More so, we shall rely on the support and assistance of all patriotic brothers and sisters for our collective success. We shall need your prayers, contacts, financial and moral supports to succeed”.
