The Egbema ethnic nationality comprising 16 communities in Rivers State and Imo State, under the anspices of Ogbako Egbema, converged in Port Harcourt last weekend to chart the way forward for the oil and gas rich area which has been politically and economically marginalised in the Nigerian project.
The gathering, which attracted eminent sons and daughters of Egbema, called for unity of purpose and peaceful co-existence amongst Egbema people, despite their political or religious differences.
Speaking during the meeting, the interim Chairman of Ogbako Egbema, Mr Sunny Igwebuike Ifi, said Ogbako Egbema remains a socio-cultural and non- political body whose core mandate is to bring together all indigenes of Egbema at home and those in diaspora under a common platform and unified force for the well-being of the Egbemas.
Mr Ifi disclosed that Ogbako Egbema would be inaugurated in Owerri, Abuja, Lagos and overseas in future to provide the necessary forum to foster socio-economic and political advancement of the ethnic nationality endowed with agricultural and hydro-carbon resources.
He lamented that despite the huge human and natural endowments of the Egbema people, the area had not been accorded its right of place in Rivers and Imo States as well as in the larger Nigeria federation.
Ifi challenged all true indigenes of Egbema to be mindful of their God-given resources and ensure they prove themselves worthy wherever they find themselves, adding that the Ogbako Egbema would move the area to the next level if all pull their talents and resources together for common good.
He further stated that “ posterity and generations unborn will not forgive us if the present leadership of Egbema people keep slumbering and sit aloof while others are making steady progress”.
The meeting resolved to set up women and youth committees for galvanizing Egbema women and youths to key into the vision of Ogbako Egbema.