The Nzuko Umunna Igbo global think tank has emphasized the need to strengthen ties and deepen friendships between Ndigbo and other nations in Nigeria. It said that this was one of the goals it had set for itself when it held the second iteration of the “Handshake Across Nigeria” in Enugu on April 28, 2023.

The Executive Secretary of the Think Tank, Ngozi Odumuko, revealed this on Wednesday and said the “Handshake Across Nigeria” project was committed to promoting ethnic harmony in the nation.

He continued by saying that the group would once more raise the “decibel of our strength in diversity, as our great heritage for desired unity and development.”

“As a non-partisan body of committed optimists, experiences of history and facts of our co-existence, the Ndigbo are deep friends of our brother nationalities, and believe in one accord, that there is no love lost that cannot be renewed, refreshed, and even transferred generationally

“Nzuko Umunna is proud of this inspiration and remains humbled by stakeholders’ endorsements across board, as we look forward to another big day with South-East state governments as great hosts.”

According to the statement, the group’s president, Prof. Chika Moore, stated that knowing the fundamentals of inclusivity, justice, and fairness as they are expressed in a respectable handshake awakened appreciation for the idea that “love is above hate when friendship is grown intentionally.”

“The pillars of trust must replace the columns of suspicions, so that national cohesion will stand rooted in our hearts of liberty, freedom and security,” he affirmed.

Building Bridges for a New Nigeria, the project’s slogan, is meant to awaken Nigerians’ sense of duty to strengthen their ties with one another and to promote happiness and prosperity.

“The Handshake Across Nigeria 2, is coming packed with three remarkable contents of historic design; the public presentation of a book, ‘Nzuko Umunna Chronicles,’ the transition and investiture of a new Executive Council led by former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo,” it added.

It will also include a special commemoration of regional leaders who are Ndigbo (Enyi Ndigbo) friends.