The Onyendu Ndigbo of Ibadanland and Oyo State, High Chief Alloysious Obi, has been conferred with the award of Grand Patron by the South East, South South and Middle Belt Forum in Oyo State.
The President of the Forum, Ambassador (Dr.) Friday Okoliko, while conferring the honour on the
Chief Executive Officer of A.O. Obi and Sons West Africa at a ceremony held in Ibadan, said he was picked as the Grand Patron because of his integrity.
According to him, the award is a fitting honour for a remarkable pillar of society whose dedication to service remains unmatched, stating that his support to those who come in contact with him irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation is worthy of emulation.
He said, “On behalf of the leadership and entire members of the Forum I want to sincerey congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as our Grand Patron. Your leadership is a true blessing to us and we are honoured to have a leader of your integrity, vision, and deep commitment to guide our path forward.”
Ambassador Okoliko added that the Forum will be ready to tap from the milk of wisdom of the Chairman Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora, noting that he believed that he would inspire the Forum to reach greater heights.
High Chief Obi in company of his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Peace Obi, while delivering an acceptance speech, appreciated the Forum for the trust placed on him to be its Grand Patron, assuring that he will do everything humanly possible not to disappoint them.
“I feel happy that I am being honoured today as the Grand Patron of your Forum and I want to salute every member of the Forum. I want to assure you that I will remain accessible to you all and will do my qouta for the advancement of the Forum”, he said.
The Otuekong of South South Community in Oyo State, Otuekong Michael I. Obasohan, JP, in his remarks, congratulated High Chief Obi for the honour done him by the Forum, noting that he was reaping the rewards of what he has done to humanity not only in Oyo State but all over the country.
Present at the ceremony include the members of the Onyendu Council of Chiefs, prominent Igbo leaders in Ibadan and Oyo State, friends and family members.
