Formation of the Central Working Committee

High Chief Desmond Ofor has emerged as the Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the newly inaugurated Enugu State Indigenes Association, Türkiye. Ofor was elected during the association’s inaugural meeting held at the Real-Life Hotel in Fatih, Istanbul, on Saturday, September 6, 2026. The event followed months of consultations aimed at bringing Enugu indigenes resident in Türkiye under a single unified umbrella.

The inauguration attracted sons and daughters of Enugu State from various parts of the country, with representatives from emerging branches converging on the central branch in Istanbul. Alongside Ofor, the committee includes Okudilichukwu Eke Ephraim as Secretary, with Amb. Prince Sam Onuegbunam and Chief Frank Agu also elected as prominent members of the working group.

Aligning with State Development Objectives

Amb. Prince Sam Onuegbunam, the convener of the association, explained that the initiative was conceived to unite the diaspora community and align them with the development objectives of the Enugu State Government. He noted that the state government has already established Diaspora Desks in each of the 17 local government areas to facilitate these connections.

Onuegbunam emphasized that the era of individuals claiming to represent the group without a collective mandate is over. He stated that the formal platform is necessary to ensure the state government engages with a recognized and unified body for the progress of the state.

This platform will enable our members to take full advantage of this medium to connect with the state government and help develop and move Enugu State forward.

— Amb. Prince Sam Onuegbunam, Convener, Enugu State Indigenes Association, Türkiye

As bonafide indigenes of Enugu, this is the very first time that a forum like this has been created to enable us to come together under one umbrella, align ourselves with our state government, and move our dear state forward.

— Amb. Prince Sam Onuegbunam, Convener, Enugu State Indigenes Association, Türkiye

Legal Framework and International Support

The inauguration also addressed the legal structures governing the association. Chief Barrister Sir Austin Akulue, the Nigeria-based Legal Adviser, joined the meeting virtually to outline the legal framework under Nigerian law. Similarly, the association’s Türkiye-based Legal Adviser, Attorney Ahmet, detailed the Turkish laws governing associations and peaceful assembly.

This is simply a platform for indigenes of Enugu State to come together, get to know one another, and collaborate for the common good of Enugu State and Nigeria as a country.

— Attorney Ahmet, Türkiye-based Legal Adviser, Enugu State Indigenes Association, Türkiye

The event received support from international diaspora leaders, including Hon. Ben Onyeukwu C. Anyaibe, Chairman of NIDO Europe (Türkiye Chapter), and Amb. Caius Eze, Convener of the Enugu Indigenes Association Worldwide. Anyaibe invited the new members to the upcoming NIDO Europe Convention 2026, scheduled for November in Istanbul, which is expected to attract delegates from 23 countries.

The session concluded with branch presentations from leaders in Esenyurt and Sultangazi. Members expressed satisfaction with the organization’s direction and pledged to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria in Türkiye. The association has scheduled its next meeting for October 2026.