Ikenga Awards replies Aka Ikenga.

The organizers of the 1 st Ikenga Merit Awards and Miss Ikenga Beauty pageant scheduled to take place at the All seasons hotel Owerri on Saturday 11 th April 2009 has reacted to a press statement issued by a pan Igbo group Aka Ikenga on its non-involvement with the Ikenga Merit Awards.

In a statement signed by Mr. Obi Madu on behalf of the organizers, Ikenga Entertainment and Awards Inc, the organizers stated categorically, that it has no direct link or association with any Igbo group at home or in the diaspora. It also stated that Ikenga Merit Awards is an association of young men and women in the media and entertainment industry who are out to recognize and celebrate all well deserving Ndigos from all walks of life.

For the avoidance of doubt the award is registered with the Corporate Affairs commission RC2044482 and the patent right NG/TM/2008/7902.

We have never shied away from disclosing our identity and contacts in all our media advertisement, press releases, billboards, Television and website.

Our motto has remained …ana esi na ulo mara nma puo na ama (Charity Begins At Home)

It was based on such expected reaction from groups and individuals like this that we made sure we followed due process to get the event fully registered as stipulated by the laws of the Federal Republic and we will not hesitate to take legal actions against any group or individuals who decides to use our franchise.

Members of Ikenga Merit Awards includes, Mr.Alozie Uzoukwu of Silverbird Group, Amadi Ogbonnaya of vanguard Newspapers, Austin Fair Nwaulu of National Mirror, Uzo Chikere, Chris nwandu, Obi Madu, Igwibuike Nwelue and a host of other Igbo sons and daughters.

Our leaders have over the years sold our birth right, while we have continued to run a second eleven team against other ethnic groups which has continually made us a laughing stock amongst other ethnic groups.

What we need is the encouragement and good will of our people and not the concerted efforts to rubbish our well-meaning intention.

Ikenga merit Awards is not a cash and carry awards. We are in a better position to know who are deserving of our awards.

What we are witnessing is the bane of the Igbo nation where certain cabals rubbish all well-intentioned programmes and believes they have the right to dictate to the Igbo nation and people.

Ikenga is a symbol of masculine strength of the average Igbo man and every free citizen has a right to it, which is why we have such groups as early as in the 70s,Ikenga International band, Ikenga Hotels and some notable Igbo sons bears the name Ikenga while some are bestowed with the IKENGA chieftaincy title.

Once again, we have nothing and absolute nothing to do with Aka Ikenga or any other Igbo group for that matter .

We are also not ready to dance to the wit and caprice of any group or individuals.

Ikenga Merit Awards is for Ndigbo no matter their status in life.