It is often said that when a child washes his hands clean, he eats with elders. This all but true saying of the Igbo people of West Africa has been proven true again. Mazi Obi Okoli- Ojeluigbozi who resides in the UK has been honoured with the exalted position of Member of the Board of Trustees in Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).

In the letter of appointment signed by Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala-ADF President and Prof. Nat. Aniekwu- ADF Secretary both conveyed with pleasure and honour the decision of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) Working Committee, to appoint Mazi Obi Okoli -Ojeluigbozi as a Member of her esteemed Board of Trustees. This followed his joint-nomination by three members of the Working Committee as well as other stakeholders.

The selection and appointment of Mazi Obi Okoli did not come to many as a surprise as Mazi has over the years distinguished himself as a great and patriotic son of Igboland. He has served Ndigbo with his time, talent and resources. Many Igbo in the UK can attest to his indefatigable love and sacrifice towards the promotion, protection and advancement of Igbo values, custom, tradition and development.

The ADF letter about his appointment partly reads “This is in recognition of your very numerous contributions to the welfare and development of the Igbo nation as well as your immense contributions to the advancement of the mission of ADF”. It is our hoped that this appointment will encourage him the more to devote himself “along with other committed Igbo patriots to the task of rebuilding and development of Alaigbo and the rebirth and advancement of the spirit of her culture and civilization, to place her as a major player in the global system”.

In his support of this appointment, Chief Okechukwu Chukwuemeka- Membership Secretary ADF said the appointment of Mazi Obi Okoli is well deserved. He said that “One thing about the human endeavour is that, no matter when, every honest engagement is noticed and rewarded. But, alas, most of such rewards come clothed as work, more engagement”.  He charged Mazi Obi Okoli to understand that his appointment as a member of the ADF Board of Trustees is a huge reward that comes with one huge dose of work.

When contacted for comments Mazi Obi Okoli said ‘it was with joy and utmost praise to God almighty and Ndigbo that I accept the honour to serve as a BOT Member of ADF. He promised ‘to do all within his power, with the help of God and the support of all my brothers and sisters to serve in dignity, truth and honour’.

He thanked ADF executives and members for finding him worthy of such great honour and privilege.

It worthy of note that some of the greatest Igbo Elders serve as BOT of Alaigbo Development Foundation namely:

Prof T. Uzodinma Nwala (President of ADF)

Elder (Dr) Kalu Uke Kalu CON (Vice Chairman, BOT)

Barth Nnaji, CON, NNOM, FAEng, FAS. (Member, BOT)

Chief Innocent Nwoga (CON) (Member, BOT)

HRH Princess Alu Ibiam, (Member BOT)

Chief Emmanuel Okey Nwankwo. (Member BOT)

Bishop Obi Udemezue Onubogu, (Member, BOT)

Prof. Chimah Korieh, (Member, BOT)