Bamigbetan conferred Nwnane Di Na Mba of Igbo Land chieftain title, bags NULGE award
By Damilola Kushimo
A traditional ruler of the Ezeukwu Ancient Kingdom, Abia State, His Royal Majesty Eze Sir Hyson Ogwo Chukwu (CRFN), the Igaukwu of Ezeukwu ancient kingdom has conferred on the immediate past Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan a rare chieftaincy title, Nwnane Di Na Mba of Igbo Land which means a good friend of Igbo in Diaspora.
This was done during a courtesy visit the traditional ruler paid the two time chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area in his residence at Ori-Oke bus Stop, Ejigbo last week.
According to the traditional ruler, the visit was out of admiration for Bamigbetan’s leadership style and to show appreciation to the political luminary for his non-tribal leadership system in Ejigbo Community, through his caucus, The Mandate Movement – TMM and in an atmosphere devoid of tribalism or discrimination.
The Igaukwu of Ezeukwu ancient kingdom, who came in the company of other traditional chiefs which include Ochundo Ndigbo, High Chief Stephen Joshua, Ichie Ogbeufi Nkume Ukwa Ndi-Igbo, Chief Okorie Ogbonnaya and Prince John Chukwu as led by the Councilor representing Ifoshi Ward of Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs Grace Okere thanked Bamigbetan.
His words: “We are here to say ‘Thank You’ and we cannot thank you enough because you have done enough for us. As far as politics is concerned, you are there already and whenever you’re feeling sleepy, just rest your head on any of our laps.
“The Igbos are with you and we will continue to be with you because you’ve proven to be a good brother (to Igbos) in Diaspora. As you are here, anytime you feel like coming down to Abia State, every traditional ruler in Abia State, Igbo Land, will come together to prove to you that you are Nwnane Di Na Mba of Igbo land.”
Bamigbetan, who heartily appreciated the majestic acknowledgement and his new chieftaincy title, established that his political philosophy is posited on “the basis that the future of this country is not just about ethnic division, it is all about building bridges and developing national strategies for development that all of us can benefit from in this country.”
He however stated that beyond political philosophy, the Igbos as well as other tribes have enjoyed a homely reception and settlement into the community “because when the first two letters of the community name is removed it is left with IGBO which is an indication that the community welcomes everybody.”
He reiterated that the philosophy would be consolidated in order to sustain the fair chance of representation for every member of the community, regardless of tribe while promising to reciprocate the visitation of the traditional chiefs as soon as possible.
In the same vein, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ejigbo Chapter on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 presented Bamigbetan a meritorious award.
The award was presented in recognition of his meritorious services to humanity in Ejigbo in particular and Lagos State in general.
The Union presented the award during her Year 2019 Ratification Exercise where the Union Executives were re-elected by affirmation and a new administration, under the leadership of Comr. Lawal Sadiq, was sworn-in.
The Lagos State Union President, Comr. Ajose Semako Afolabi, presented the award with the support of the former Lagos State Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Alh. Kazeem.
