On the 11th of January, 2018, at the Base Event Centre, Independence Layout Enugu, I, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah as the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee of the auspicious event and an Nzuko Umunna initiative – *”Handshake Across The Niger* *will be in the company of great Igbo and Yoruba minds* to celebrate all that binds us as a people as well as commemorate two great leaders – Late General Aguiyi Ironsi and Late Colonel Francis Fajuyi whose mutual supreme sacrifice signifies the quality of unexplored brotherhood between the Igbos and Yorubas.
Nzuko Umunna, an Igbo socio-cultural group and think-thank, understanding the ills associated with the continued mistrust between the Yorubas and Igbos, took it upon itself to be “The Bridge Builder”. By virtue of this, the historic event tagged Handshake Across the Niger was born in a bid to re-visit, explore, sustain and strengthen the bond between the Igbos and Yorubas as well as advance our mutual coexistence in today’s Nigeria.
The fact that the Igbos and Yorubas have lived together for years without any tribal clash despite all that has been done to probe a sword into the heart of our brotherhood speaks volumes of our unprofessed love. Rather than educating our generation and the next about our similar history and culture as empirically proven or the fact that notable scholars in humanities, history, archaeology, sociology, linguistics and anthropology have all presented facts to prove the old age relationship between us, we have allowed falsehood to thrive. The time has come to set these records straight. The time to put an end to this destructive propaganda that has fostered hatred and animosity in the South is upon us.
This event which promises to demystify these myths and falsehood that have sown great distrust amongst Southern brothers has the full backing of the apex socio-cultural groups from both divides, Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Nnia Nwodo and Afenifere led by Pa. Reuben Fasoranti as they will be co-hosting with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is the Chief Host.
This momentous event will also be graced by our Royal Fathers – His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (The Obi of Onitsha) and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (The Ooni of Ife). All the Governors in the South East and South West will also be in attendance as special guests of honour.
Remember, the date is 11th of January, 2018 and the venue is The Base Event Centre, Independence Layout Enugu. Your prayers for a successful event will be highly appreciated.
Long Live the Brotherhood between the Yorubas and Igbos!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed:
*for: Nzuko Umunna*
*Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah*
Chairman, Local Organizing Committee – Handshake Across The Niger.
