Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Countdown to Abia Day, 31 Mar in Cotonou

All roads lead to Cotonou
Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, will attend celebrations of the premiere Abia Day in Cotonou, Benin Republic, mauricearchibongtravels can authoritatively reveal.

The event is slated for 31 March and Mr. Kingsley Megwara, Special Adviser to Governor T. A. Orji on Diaspora and Foreign Matters; confirmed during a telephone conversation that a high-powered delegation from Abia will be in the Benin Republic economic capital to participate in the socio-cultural fiesta.

“His Excellency will grace the occasion with his presence”, said Megwara, who added that his principal is favourably disposed to witnessing the debut Abia Day observances in Cotonou. Unofficial statistics put the population of Nigerians in Benin Republic at between one million and two million and the majority of these immigrants are Igbo people.

It could be recalled that a delegation of Abia officials had earlier visited Cotonou for two days, from February 23 to the 25th on what could be termed a surveillance mission. And, at the end of their tour, it was obvious these forerunners, which included Mr. Megwara and Mr. Felix Azu, Director of Abia State Liaison Office, Lagos; left convinced Abia Day in Cotonou would be a huge success.

It is also worth noting that, following assurances that their governor would travel down to Benin Republic, executive members of Abia Community have been holding series of meetings in Cotonou preparatory to the historic event. One of such encounters took place on Tuesday, 27 March somewhere near the popular Missebo Market from 3pm to 5pm.

Invitations had since been despatched to virtually every who’s who of Abia as well as outstanding Igbo personalities everywhere. Among the invitees are General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), a former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof Raph Uwechue, President General of Ohaneze ndi Igbo; Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, a former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters; Navy Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, a former Governor of Lagos State; and, Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Nkechi Nworgu as well as all National Assembly members of Abia State origin. 

Although many Cotonou-based Igbo are engaged in various occupations, most of them hail from Abia State and make a living from trading in used clothing items. It is hoped that Abia Day would serve to consolidate unity among not only Abians but all Igbo and other Nigerians in general living in the neighbouring country. For Abians in particular, the governor and his state’s indigenes plan to use the opportunity to explore possible areas, where they could synergise with a view to improving the social and economic conditions of Abia people at home and abroad.

Interestingly, despite being a celebration of Abia State, virtually every Nigerian in Benin Republic has, however, been sucked into plans to make the premiere of Abia Day in Cotonou an unforgettable event. There was excitement among the Nigerian community across the Beninese commercial hub as information filtered in that Gov Orji would personally attend Abia Day on 31 March.
By MAURICE ARCHIBONG

Following is a reproduction of my report, first published in Daily Sun (Travels) of 22 March, 2012; after the Abia delegation’s visit to Cotonou
I’m looking into the etymology of the Igbo name, Megwara. Got any clue? From a recent encounter with a Mr. Megwara, I’m tempted to think there is some nexus between this name and a humourist.

Who could blame me, if after roughly two hours spent on a buffet dinner; every time I reflect on that outing at Cotonou’s most expensive hotel, I can’t suppress the laughter that surges forth at the recall of one of many anecdotes thrown up by Mr. Kingsley Megwara.

Countless people see death as that classic leveller. Every mortal, some folks believe, are equal after death. But, Megwara holds a different view. He challenges anyone that questions his opinion to visit a morgue. There, he expatiated, the viewer can tell a dead moneybag from some poor opposite number.

Even in death, the face of a late prosperous person radiates joy. Some of them even sport a smile, whereas the face of a dead poor man is often not inviting, at all. The poor even take their fury and agony to the world beyond, Megwara intoned. Magwara had more in store. He said, when the Caucasians, saw some 30 black faces walk into the dining hall, they probably believed we were resuming duty that night. But, when we began to help ourselves to the buffet dinner, these whites may have wondered where we were going to raise the money to pay. 

Across Cotonou, Nigerians are looking forward to March 31, Abia Day. Never, since the launch of associations by members of various Nigerian ethnic nationalities in Cotonou, Benin Republic has preparations for any of such observances been so meticulous.

Although Nigerian immigrants and settlers in the Beninese economic capital usually celebrate the end of each year with a party before returning home for the main thing in their villages; Igbo people in Cotonou also have other fora, where they come together. One of such events is an annual soccer contest organised by Igbo Football Association (IFA) in Cotonou. However, this report is not about the IFA.

Interestingly, Igbos of Abia State origin are poised to add another forum aimed at bringing their people together. As things stands, plans have been concluded to launch Abia Day in Cotonou. In an exclusive chat with mauricearchibongtravels, organisers of Abia Day in Benin Republic revealed they plan to make it an annual observance.

And, from the effervescent enthusiasm on the part of all stakeholders, it would seem that indigenes of this South East geo-political entity living in Benin Republic can’t wait for the climax of this year’s Abia Day slated for March 31.

However, it is worth noting that, despite being a celebration of Abia State, virtually every Nigerian in Benin Republic is being sucked into plans to make the premiere of Abia Day in Cotonou an unforgettable event. Already, invitations have been (are still being) despatched to virtually every who’s who of Abia as well as outstanding Igbo personalities everywhere.

Among the invitees are General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), a former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof Raph Uwechue, President General of Ohaneze ndi Igbo; Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, a former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters; Navy Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, a former Governor of Lagos State; and, Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Nkechi Nworgu as well as all National Assembly members of Abia State origin. 

To assess the state of preparedness, a delegation of Abia State officials were in the Benin economic capital for two days, from February 23 to the 25th on what could be termed a surveillance mission. And, at the end of their visit, it was obvious these forerunners, which included Mr. Kingsley Megwara, Special Adviser to Governor T. A. Orji on Diaspora and Foreign Matters; and, Mr. Felix Azu, Director of Abia State Liaison Office, Lagos; left convinced Abia Day in Cotonou would be a huge success.

Mr. Megwara and others visited Charge d’Affaires, Nigerian Embassy Cotonou, Mr. Ayo Roberts; Igbo Leader in Benin Republic, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo; immediate-past President of the Cotonou Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Chief Emmanuel Uko Elendu et cetera; during their sojourn.

Although the visitors were originally scheduled to head straight to Nigerian Embassy Cotonou, from Seme Border, a change in itinerary was compelled since the mission would have closed for the day, by the time the entourage entered Cotonou. As a result, a call on the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Ayo Roberts, earlier slated for that day was postponed to February 24.

Thus, from Seme border, the entourage headed to the residence of Chief Emmanuel Uko Elendu, immediate-past President of the Cotonou Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO); where they enjoyed a splendid reception.

On hand to assist Chief Elendu was his wife, Lolo Cecilia Elendu, who treated the visitors to mouth-watering delicacies despite the short notice she got regarding the guests’ arrival. Aside tastey munchies, the Elendus also spoilt their guests with choice wines and sundry drinks.

However, it was not all about eating and drinking: After introductions and explanation of their mission by Mr. Megwara; Chief Elendu promised to assist the visitors in every way possible to make their stay in Cotonou worthwhile.

During his welcome address, Elendu also commended the Abia government for the current state of security across his home state thus: “I believe we are better now because the incidence of kidnapping and robberies have reduced. There was a time, many of us were afraid of going home, but on my latest visit; late last year, I stayed in Abia for almost two weeks and travelled around freely, whereas before, it was straight from Umauahia to my village Alayi and from Alayi back to Umuahia and out of Abia”.

After roughly one hour’s stay with the Elendus, the entourage relocated to the residence of Chief Onunkwo, Odozi-Obodo 1 in the elite Haie Vive neighbourhood of town. There, everyone was also feted to their heart’s desire.

As if the treat was not enough, Chief Onunkwo later took some 30 or so guests to a buffet dinner at Benin Safari Hotel. But, there were some notable remarks at this venerable host’s home before we set out for dinner.

Hear Mr. Megwara, during his remark at Chief Onunkwo’s house: “I’m indeed surprised that this Igbo leader is so young. In fact, I was expecting to meet an old man with head covered by grey hair. You know, it is not easy to be an Igbo leader because every Igbo is a leader. So, I must commend Chief Onunkwo’s wife, who has helped to keep her husband ever young and refreshed in spite of his numerous responsibilities”.

Mr. Megrawa went on to commend Chief Onunkwo for being chosen Igbo leader time after time, even though Odozi-Obodo hails from Anambra State, whereas the majority of Igbo in Benin Republic are Abia State indigenes. In fact, Abia State Governor, Chief T. A. Orji is expected at the event; which is why the organisers are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that Abia Day 2012 ends up a delectable and memorable observance.

Speaking during the delegates’ visit to Nigerian Embassy Cotonou, where they were received by the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Ayo Roberts; Alhaji A. A. Lawaal, Minister II; Mr. E. Monn, Head of Chancery and Mrs. Zainab Mohammed, Administrative Assistant, among others; Mr. Megwara said: “We are very happy to be here, today. On our way here, my brother, Ikoku; had already told me many good things about you, and arriving here, I now understand why”.

Hear Alhaji A. A. Lawaal, Minister II at Nigerian Embassy Cotonou: “Then, there is also Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, leader of the Igbo Community in this country. He is a great son of Nigeria and is doing a great job in this country. Just mention his name everybody knows him here. He is known by everybody in this country and he has been doing a lot to promote the welfare of Nigerians in this country. Some of us are well aware of the spirit of entreprise of the average Igbo and we appreciate their diligence”.

Alhaji Lawaal, who once served at Nigerian Embassy in the Gabonese capital, Libreville; went on to add: “Personally, I was in Gabon and I saw how much Igbo people are involved in the commercial activities there. Our people are very creative and deserve to be encouraged”.

After the meeting with the charge d’affaires et al, the visitors also paid a courtesy call on the Defense Adviser, Colonel A. M. S. Anyalewechi. Welcoming the guests to his office, the military top brass informed the visitors that he could hardly forget the day he assumed duty at his current post.

From Colonel Anyalewechi’s recall, this officer and gentleman arrived on February 3, 2011 only to meet Nigerian Embassy Cotonou engulfed by a funereal mood; for it was on that same day, the then Ambassador, Mr. Lawrence Akindele passed on.

In any case, Colonel Anyalewechi had since settled down to discharge his duty effectively. Although his office vests concurrent accreditation to six other Francophone countries in West Africa, this DA was not complaining. In fact, he said his immediate predecessor, Colonel Abrahams, had two more countries to take care of, we were informed. 

Megwara again: “Having spent 25 years of my life in the US, I lived in Atlanta for 25 years, His Excellency appointed me to this office in 2006 because he feels that this office should be occupied by somebody capable of reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. The governor believes in reaching out to Abians, wherever they are. He believes that by so doing, we’ll be able to bring together the cohesive forces that bind us all as Abians and we’ll begin to build a new Abia.

Concluding, Megwara said: “In December, 2011; for the first time in the history of our state, the governor decided to host all sons and daughters of Abia State, who came from all over the world to celebrate the Yuletide at home. The governor arranged this encounter so that we could tell our people resident abroad some of the things we are doing as well as some of the challenges we are facing as a state. These Abians, many of whom are accomplished technocrats in various fields, should be able to bring in their expertise. They should be able to make some imput since our collective and compelling interest is to move Abia State forward.

It is worth noting that at least two officials of Nigerian Embassy Cotonou were at Seme to receive the visitors from Abia State. Additionally, these mission staffers kept the delegation company throughout their stay and finally saw them off to the border on the day of their departure.
By MAURICE ARCHIBONG

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