…as De Pinnacle International Social Club installs him as patron
Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has challenged the South-East to translate its strong community networks and influence into greater political participation, warning that such influence counts for little if it does not shape decisions about who governs the people.
Okonkwo gave the charge at the weekend in Abuja while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of De Pinnacle International Social Club, held under the theme, “A Decade of Excellence and Impact”. The event also featured his installation as the club’s patron.
He observed that influential individuals and groups across the South-East often devote considerable energy to determining who becomes a town union leader or traditional ruler but show less enthusiasm when it comes to elections for governors, local government chairmen and other political officeholders.
According to him, political leadership at these levels has far-reaching implications for the region’s development, making active participation in electoral processes just as important as the selection of community leaders.
The elder statesman argued that the attention and resources invested in town union elections should be matched by a corresponding commitment to determining who occupies public offices that directly influence the welfare and future of the people.
Beyond Social Fellowship
Okonkwo, however, cautioned against interpreting his position as a call for social clubs to become partisan political organisations.
Rather, he urged such groups to embrace responsible civic engagement by scrutinising the records of aspirants, engaging candidates on issues affecting their communities, promoting informed voting and deploying their collective influence in the public interest.
He maintained that genuine concern for community welfare should go beyond philanthropy, social gatherings and fellowship to include a deliberate interest in the quality, character and competence of those entrusted with political leadership.
“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.
Call for a Broader Igbo Identity
The United Nigeria Airlines chairman also called on the Igbo to look beyond state boundaries in building stronger networks and advancing shared interests.
He specifically drew attention to Igbo communities in Rivers, Delta and Cross River states, noting that their experiences, connections and resources could contribute to a more cohesive and influential regional bloc.
He urged the people to recognise the value of these connections and explore ways to harness them for collective progress, stressing that a broader outlook would strengthen the region’s capacity to engage effectively in Nigeria’s political and developmental affairs.
Okonkwo Accepts Patron’s Role
Accepting his installation as patron of De Pinnacle International Social Club, Okonkwo challenged the organisation to make its second decade more impactful through stronger fellowship, deeper community service, wider partnerships and more visible contributions to society.
He noted that the resources needed to drive national renewal were not confined to government institutions and large corporations but also existed within the people, relationships and voluntary associations that constitute Nigerian society.
According to him, social organisations can make meaningful contributions to development by converting their networks, shared values and collective influence into practical initiatives that improve lives.
“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”, he said.
Okonkwo congratulated De Pinnacle International Social Club on its first decade, expressing optimism that the organisation would build on its achievements and deliver greater impact in the years ahead.
“I congratulate De Pinnacle International Social Club on ten remarkable years and wish the organisation an even more impactful second decade”, he added.