* As Sanwo-Olu receives ‘Ugo Chinyere Eze’ traditional title
Igbo residents in Lagos state yesterday endorsed Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state for the 2019 poll.
Speaking at an event held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, the Ndigbo communities led by the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, Eze H.N. Ohazurike, vowed to mobilise their kith and kins before and during the poll to vote for Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Similarly, the Eze Ndigbo also conferred the ‘Ugo Chinyere Eze’(meaning the “greatest gift from God”) traditional title on Sanwo-Olu.
Eze Ohazurike prayed for the APC candidate and his running mate, and reassured the duo of Igbos’ support towards realising Sanwo-Olu’s gubernatorial ambition.
In his remark, Sanwo-Olu described Igbo people as “critical stakeholders” in the Lagos project, saying they (Igbos) would be given a good representation in his government if elected.
He lauded the resilience of Igbo traders in the state, adding that the endorsement would be the beginning of a new mutually-benefiting relationship between the government and Igbo community in the state.
“I am expressing my profound appreciation to the Ndigbo community in Lagos for the traditional title bestowed on me, the Ugo Chinyere Eze.
“I thank you all from the depth of my heart for this honour and the endorsement you have just given me and my running mate.
“We are starting another journey together in our effort to build a greater Lagos that will be prosperous for all residents. We will not discriminate against any ethnic groups in this journey.
“Every ethnic group represented in Lagos is a critical stakeholder and we will carry everyone along, as we have resolved to run an all-inclusive government.
“Just as you pronounced me to be gift from God, I promise to be a precious gift you will be proud of if elected as your governor,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Dignitaries in attendance include the Eze Ndigbo from all the Local Government Areas in Lagos state, APC leaders in the state such as the Director-General of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation, Mr Tayo Ayinde, his deputy, Cardinal James Odumbaku, and APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe, among others.
