A business community from the Igbo tribe has announced plans to appoint Chidi Anyanegbu as the inaugural Mayor Ndi Igbo in a bid to resolve long-standing business conflicts and promote economic development.
During a press conference in Lagos, Ifeanyi Agwu, the chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Organising Committee, revealed that the investiture ceremony is scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Anyanegbu was chosen by the Coalition of Concerned Igbo Business Community and the United Igbo Elders Worldwide to serve as a mediator between Igbo businesses due to the need for such an office.
The appointment of Mayor Ndi Igbo aims to address misunderstandings and conflicts that Igbo businesses have faced within and outside Nigeria, with a significant number of disputes involving Igbo individuals.
Agwu highlighted the necessity of Mayor Ndi Igbo’s role in mediating these disputes and uniting the Igbo community, as existing organizations have not been fully equipped to handle such challenges effectively.
The office of Mayor Ndi Igbo is non-political and solely focused on safeguarding and advancing the interests of Igbo businesses by proactively resolving disputes and engaging with various societal groups.
Tony Obinugwu, the Chairman of the Planning and Organising Committee, emphasized the economic benefits of the initiative, stating that prosperity among the Igbo community would lead to increased government revenue and overall wealth creation for Nigerians.
He stressed the importance of a supportive structure for the Igbo community within the Nigerian society, ensuring representation and protection for all Igbo individuals across the country.
The investiture of Mayor Ndi Igbo signifies the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to address conflicts and establish operational mechanisms nationwide, with a focus on promoting the collective welfare of all Nigerians.
The planning committee clarified that the office’s establishment does not conflict with existing socio-cultural and political groups and urged the public to support this initiative as it unfolds.