By Juliet Umeh

Chief Livinus Okwara, an Ohanaeze Ndigbo stalwart and founder of Rimax Group, has pledged to support the Igbo people in every way possible to promote unity, peace and development.

Okwara made the pledge in Lagos during the official presentation of his Certificate of Honour as Nna Ndigbo in Diaspora.

The honour, Vanguard gathered, followed an earlier celebration held in his honour, where Igbo leaders, friends and well-wishers commended him for his contributions to the welfare and advancement of Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.

Speaking at the ceremony, Okwara expressed gratitude for the recognition and assured that he would use the office to advance the interests of Igbos globally.

“I will use my good office as Nna Ndigbo in Diaspora to ask for more for the Igbos. Much has been done, but much still needs to be done,” he said.

Okwara also called for amnesty and greater opportunities for Igbo youths affected by past conflicts, while commending President Bola Tinubu for policy steps aimed at improving the economy.

“I have supported the progressive movement and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from his campaign days to the presidency. I am aware of efforts being made to improve the economy. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to any particular tribe,” he said.

While acknowledging improved democratic representation of the Igbo, Okwara said the region had been disadvantaged over the years and urged the Federal Government to do more to accelerate development in the South-East.

“We love Nigeria like every other tribe. Further development is needed, and I believe the President can help,” he added.

He also urged Igbo communities to embrace peace and unity.

“My Igbo brothers should stop wrangling, sheathe their swords, stop the killings and love one another. As a leader, I will guide my people in the right direction,” Okwara said.

Earlier, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Chief Solomon Aguene, emphasised the need for Igbos in the South-West to respect their hosts and maintain peaceful coexistence.

“We use the word diaspora because Lagos is not our ancestral land. We must respect our landlords, the Yoruba people, because the soft landing they gave us makes our progress possible,” Aguene said.

Presenting the certificate, Aguene described Okwara as a respected leader with deep relationships across political and social divides, noting that his emergence aligns with evolving leadership needs within Ohanaeze.

“Whatever new innovation we introduce must be appreciated by our people. Leadership evolves, and constitutions can be amended to reflect new realities,” he added.