SOCIETY NEWS

Igbo Union ends year with affection

By Hakeem Babalola

The Igbo Union Hungary at the end of its year party showered its chairman, Endy Nnorom, with affection and grasp by crowning him the Onwa (Moon) of Igboland in a moment of glory which was attended by many Nigerians including two representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest.

The event which took place at Álmassy tér 6 in downtown Budapest was perhaps a metaphorically way of saying all work and no play turns a clever boy a dull boy as the Igbo Union honoured and extolled Mr. Nnorom’s virtues.

The newly crowned Onwa of Igboland was portrayed as a man who always stands by his people in every area including but not limited to words of advice, language translation and accelerating the integration of his fellow Igbo into the Hungarian society.

He was also described as a perfect gentleman whose immense contribution to the advancement of the Igbo Community in Hungary gave him grandeur.

“I don’t even know how to describe this man,” quipped Tony G, a self-proclaimed Minister for Enjoyment. “He has helped many in one way or the other”.

Nnorom was decorated with Igbo attire of modern Isiagu with a black wooden staff, pink beads, a red cap and cow-tassel to complete the chieftaincy title which apparently sent most of the guests gaga. The “Minister of Enjoyment” with assistance of others had to repeatedly appeal to the crowds who were already full of high-spirited delight – to cool down.

The Onwa of Igboland who seemed overwhelmed by such gratitude smiled his thanks and assured his people that he would not betray their confidence, promising to continue in the path that has earned him the coveted chieftaincy title. “I will continue to do my best as long as I live here, “he said in his acceptance speech.

Embassy door is open

Meanwhile the Nigerian Mission in Hungary used the occasion to remind its citizens that the embassy’s door is always open to them. “The embassy is ready to support you as the embassy door is open,” said Ms Mobolaji Ogundero, Minister Councillor, in her speech.

She enjoined Nigerians to be law abiding as they go about their businesses in Hungary, adding that it is important to project the positive image of Nigeria as good ambassadors.  

Also speaking at the occasion was the Nigerian Union Hungary president, Mr. Felix Omoreigbe. He highlighted the significance of cooperation with one another in a foreign land, stressing the need for integration and most importantly to always remember home.

The names of the executive members are: Endy Nnorom as the chairman; Angy Joseph as vice-chairman; Emmanuel Dike as Secretary; Miki Arinze is the Financial Secretary and Nelson Ezeuko is his vice; Leonard Alozie is the PRO and Cyprian Odinakaeze is his assistant; Ifeanyi Anosobi is the social worker while IBB occupies the Provost position.