Manchester based Imo Kultural and Welfare Union (IKWU) is one of the fast-growing Igbo Organizations in United Kingdom. Few months ago members of IKWU elected New Executive Officers to run the affairs of the Union for the next few years. The Editor-In-Chief of THE AMBASSADOR MAGAZINE, Sam Asoluka went to Manchester to interview the new Chairman Chief Chris Ukaegbu. Below is the interview

Who is Chief Chris Ukaegbu?

Chief Chris Ukaegbu, is a proud son of the Soil from Umuoyima Village in Owerri Municipal, Imo State. I don’t want to bore your readers too much, my legacy and biography Speak for themselves. I have been the leader of some Organisations in Nigeria and here in United Kingdom. I was the Chairman of ‘Otu-Obi Nde Owerri’ in the UK before I relocated to the North West Region, Greater Manchester due to the call of duty.

I am passionate in, and have a unique way of doing things. Those who had in one way or another came in contact with me can testify to the fact that I have great affection for our Community. 

How long has IKWU been in existence?

The ‘Great’ Imo Kultural and Welfare Union (Ikwu) in Greater Manchester UK has been in existence for some years.

How many years were you elected to serve the Union?

As an officially elected Chairperson of the Union, I am due to serve my people for a tenure but it depends on the future decision of IKWU. But I am dedicated and available to serve my people as long as they need me.

What are the Aims and Objectives of your Union (IKWU)?

IKWU was formed and Built for the purposes of Togetherness, Peace and Welfare of our people here in United Kingdom and back home. But most important is to make sure our children in the UK embrace our culture and tradition.

What are the things you hope to achieve before you leave office

I am so proud and pleased with the performance of the outgoing Executive members, especially the Chairman who worked immensely hard to lift the Union to an enviable and unforgettable height. And, I have promise to take IKWU to a greater height because my administration is coming with a peace boat and the peace boat is open, free and wide enough to carry any peace loving person(s) because forward ever is my Motto.

There are other Igbo Unions in Cities like London, Birmingham etc. do you intend to reach out to them?

Yes indeed. Actually it is not only that I intend to reach out to them, I intend to carry them along. I must say that the outgoing Executives had already reached out to a good number of them. And, I intend to follow suit by extending our hands of friendship or  relationships far and wide.

The call to Igbo people all over the world is ‘THINK NIGERIA, DEVELOP ALA-IGBO, what’s your take on the call?

It is said that one who forgets where the rain started beating him, must be a foolish person. There is also this saying that, No Place like home. He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches him. I guess a word is enough for the wise.

What is your take on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in Nigeria

President Buhari started his campaign with “Change” And that’s what Nigerians voted for. Yes since he assumed office, there were changes but regardless of the kind of changes we have seen, we are yet to know and see the impact of the changes. We hope for the happiness and success of the people of Nigeria in his     administration, If he meant well for us we wish him well too.

Finally, your state of origin; what do you think about Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration in Imo State?

Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the Executive Governor Of Imo State has done well in the State. As we know, no Leader on Earth can please everyone. As an Elder, my advice to him is; it won’t be wise for a strong man to have gone to the farm and done marvellously well but on leaving the farm at the end of the day he uses his own legs to scatter all the good work he has done. I know and I am         convinced that Owelle has a Great Vision for Imo State. He is a man of wisdom. IKWU is solidly behind him and he has honoured IKWU by giving us a piece of land in the Capital City of Imo State. I know he is a traditionalist and I believe he understands that Tradition and Culture has nothing to do with Politics, irrespective of whatever that might have transpired between him and the Owerri indigenes. I strongly advise him to let bye gone be bye gone.

God Bless IKWU, God Bless Imo State.