…Emerges Pinnacle Club’s Patron
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Executive Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has urged the Igbo to take a more active interest in politics, saying their influence in community affairs would have limited impact unless they also participate in decisions that shape governance and development.
Okonkwo made the call at the weekend in Abuja during the 10th anniversary celebration of De Pinnacle International Social Club, themed “A Decade of Excellence and Impact”.
He was also installed as the club’s patron at the event.
The elder statesman expressed concern that prominent individuals and groups in the South-East often invest considerable energy in determining who becomes a town union leader or traditional ruler but show less interest in the election of governors, local government chairmen and other political office holders.
He said political offices at the state and local government levels had far-reaching implications for the welfare and development of communities, stressing that the attention devoted to community leadership contests should also be extended to elections and governance.
According to him, the Igbo must recognise that decisions taken by elected officials directly affect their communities, including the provision of infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential services.
“If we are prepared to invest so much energy and influence in determining who leads our communities and traditional institutions, we should be equally prepared to ask the more consequential question of who governs the larger political jurisdictions within which those communities exist,” he said.
Okonkwo, however, cautioned against turning social clubs into partisan organisations, explaining that their role in promoting civic participation should focus on encouraging informed decisions and holding political office seekers accountable.
He said such participation could include examining candidates’ records, engaging them on issues affecting communities and encouraging members to make informed choices during elections.
The airline chairman argued that concern for the welfare of the people should go beyond philanthropy, social gatherings and fellowship to include an interest in the quality of leadership and the performance of those entrusted with public office.
He also called on the Igbo to look beyond state boundaries and build stronger connections with communities in other parts of the country, particularly Rivers, Delta and Cross River states, where people of Igbo origin have established communities and networks.
He said the experiences, resources and relationships of these communities could contribute to building a more united and influential South-East, while strengthening cooperation among Igbo people across state lines.
Accepting his installation as patron of De Pinnacle International Social Club, Okonkwo urged members to make the organisation’s next decade more impactful through stronger fellowship, greater service to society, wider partnerships and more visible contributions to community development.
He noted that national development was not the responsibility of government institutions and large corporations alone, adding that individuals, social groups and voluntary associations also had important roles to play.
According to him, social clubs can use their networks, resources and collective influence to support initiatives that improve lives and contribute to national renewal.
“I accept that responsibility fully, and I look forward to playing my own part in helping Pinnacle translate its considerable social capital, fellowship and influence into even greater service to our people and society.
“I congratulate De Pinnacle International Social Club on ten remarkable years and wish the organisation an even more impactful second decade,” he said.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
