Igbo think tank set to foster ethnic unity

The Igbo global think tank, Nzuko Umunna, has harped on the need to expand friendships and cement bonds between Ndigbo and other nationalities of Nigeria. This, it said, was part of the objectives it set to achieve by holding its second edition of the ‘Handshake Across Nigeria’ in Enugu on April 28, 2023.

Disclosing this in a release from the Media Committee, the Executive Secretary of the Think Tank, Ngozi Odumuko, on Wednesday, stated that the ‘Handshake Across Nigeria’ project was dedicated to fostering ethnic unity in the country.

He added that the group would again raise the “decibel of our strength in diversity, as our great heritage for desired unity and development.”

“As a non-partisan body of committed optimists, experiences of history and facts of our co-existence, the Ndigbo are deep friends of our brother nationalities, and believe in one accord, that there is no love lost that cannot be renewed, refreshed, and even transferred generationally.

“Nzuko Umunna is proud by this inspiration and remains humbled by stakeholders’ endorsements across board, as we look forward to another big day with South-East state governments as great hosts.”

The statement noted that the President of the group, Prof. Chika Moore, said understanding the core of inclusion, justice and fairness expressed in a worthy handshake, activated respect that “love is above hate when friendship is grown intentionally.”

“The pillars of trust must replace the columns of suspicions, so that national cohesion will stand rooted in our hearts of liberty, freedom and security,” he affirmed.

The theme of the project, ‘Building Bridges for a New Nigeria’, is expected to rouse the conscience of Nigerian citizens to celebrate their bonds more together, and signal prosperity in happiness.

“The Handshake Across Nigeria 2, is coming packed with three remarkable contents of historic design; the public presentation of a book, ‘Nzuko Umunna Chronicles,’ the transition and investiture of a new Executive Council led by former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo,” it added.

It will also feature a special celebration of leaders from other regions as friends of Ndigbo (Enyi Ndigbo).