History was made in Lagos as Imo Improvement Association (IIA), a socio-cultural organization representing the interests and unity of Imo indigenes in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, at the Obi ndi Imo in Ibeje-Lekki, Lagos State, successfully held its general election over the weekend to usher in a new leadership team that would steer the affairs of the association for the next four years.
The election which saw the emergence of a pragmatic International Businessman and charismatic leader, Chief Chinedu Ibeagwa as the newly elected Chairman was keenly contested and peaceful, drew wide participation from members across the Ibeju-Lekki axis, and most remarkably, was the first since the formation of IIA in 2019. The emergence of Ibeagwa marks a new chapter in the leadership of the IIA, with expectations high for a tenure focused on unity, development, and the empowerment of members.
Speaking after his declaration, Chief Ibeagwa expressed deep gratitude to the body of patrons, elders and the entire members of the association for the confidence reposed in him. “This mandate is a call to serve, to build on the solid foundation laid by the founding members, and to promote the welfare and unity of Imo people in Ibeju-Lekki in particular and Lagos State in general. “I am committed to an inclusive, transparent, and progressive leadership,” he said. He solicited for the support and cooperation of all the members to enable him and his team succeed on the onerous tasks and responsibilities given to them through their election.
Other results driven members elected alongside Chief Ibeagwa include Engr. Silas Okonkwo as the Vice Chairman, Mr. Joseph Duru, General Secretary, Engr. Emmanual Nwadike Financial Secretary, Mr. Chris Eze, Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Anyanwu and Chinedu Igwilo Welfare, Isaac Ukaegbu, Provost among others.
Reacting, Chief Uche Akuneziri, a renowned industrialist, Executive Chairman of UKAC Nigeria Limited and the Grand Patron of IIA have lauded the smooth conduct of the election and the peaceful transition of leadership, describing it as a testament to the maturity, understanding, love and unity among Imo indigenes in Lagos. He noted that Imo people are known for being law abiding in nature, and their cooperation and peaceful co-existence with their host communities wherever they found themselves.
Ben Igbokwe, Communication and Media Strategist of the association noted that within five years of its formation, IIA has made some significant strides. For instance, it has secured its own property in Ibeju Lekki, organized End of the Year programmes, instituted a body of Patrons led by a grand patron, encouraged and supported the formation of IIA Women wing, and on November 23, 2024 year organized Imo Day/New Yam festival which was the first of its kind and well attended by most traditional rulers in Ibeju-Lekki and other top personalities in Lagos and beyond, he said.
Igbokwe assured that “Imo Improvement Association will continue to play a pivotal role in uniting sons and daughters of Imo State in Lagos state, and the diaspora, providing a platform for networking, cultural expression, and socio-economic development with a view to fostering unity and cooperation among Imolites and other residents in the state and beyond”.