By Ingram Osigwe
Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos last Saturday played host to technocrats, professionals, business leaders, Christian leaders, youth and women advocates, civil society groups and other dignitaries from all walks of life as Akokwa Christian Elites held this year’s edition of the annual Akokwa Eminent Persons’ Dinner.
A one-time Lagos State Police Commissioner, Rtd Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG (Barrister) Marvel Akpoyibo was the Guest Speaker for this year’s Dinner.
Delivering his lecture entitled “Life without Christ is worthless”, an extract from John chapter 15 vs 1 to 3, DIG Akpoyibo Rtd., said the short bible verse simply stated that every branch that beareth no fruit shall be cut off. Dwelling on salvation, the former Police chief who is now a security consultant enjoined every Akokwa indigene “to connect to and remain with the “Vine” (God) for no branch will bear fruits on it’s own unless it abides in Christ”
DIG Akpoyibo commended the organizers for their thoughtfulness and thoroughness in instituting the annual Dinner, saying it was salutary and examplary.
The event was kicked off with an opening speech delivered by Cliff Onyeje, President of the Lagos branch of the group. Onyeje described the Akokwa Christian Elites as an apolitical and non governmental Christian body made up of businessmen and women, professionals, intellectuals and other categories of peace loving and socially constructive men and women of Akokwa extraction who believe in the supremacy of God and who live a life guided by Him through the Christian faith.
As a body, the Akokwa Christian Elite, Onyeje stressed, believes that God is the source of all providence and is committed to efforts towards the provision of good living conditions for everyone, as right of all Akokwa indigenes.
According to him, over the years, “we succeeded in our avowed committement to fostering positive changes in the lives of Akokwa people through our activities and we will continue to strive to ensure that truth, honesty, love, integrity and fear of God prevail above all other things in Akokwa.”
“We are committed to placing Akokwa before God and asking Him to always be at the driver’s seat of our town.We are partners in the socio- economic and spiritual growth of our people. Like past dinners, this year’s dinner is geared towards this” he said.
Other members of the group present at the Dinner include the Secretary, Barrister Emeka Ofoma, Assistant Secretary, Mr Ik Egechi, Financial Secretary, Mr Austin Eze, Protocol Officer, Mr Charles Anusionwu and Treasurer, Chika Iwuchukwu.
A predominantly Christian, community, Akokwa is in Ideato North local government area of Imo State. The community boasts of a plethora of professionals, business moguls, technocrats, academics and political leaders.
The annual dinner attracts eminent personalities.Among higly placed Nigerians who had in the past been hosted to dinner by the body include captains of industry, political leaders, academics, professionals, religious leaders among others.
These include, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa of Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc., and former Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Tony Ewelike, CEO, A. G Homes, Arc. Azike Diribe, a First class Architect of the Integrated Consortium, Professor Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School, His Excellency Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) , former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bar. James Ocholi (SAN), the Pro-Chancellor of Salem University, Kogi State, Arc Ifeanyi Odedo, Managing Director, Sharon Ultimate and Sharon Regency Hotels, Abuja, Dr. Uche Ogah(OON), former Minister of state, Mines and Steel, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha among others.
-Osigwe, a strategic Communication, Public Engagement and Business Development Expert, is the MD, Fullpage Communications Ltd.
He writes from Lagos.
