The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has commended the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the release and repatriation of the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, describing the development as heart-warming and commendable.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, expressed delight over the recent diplomatic moves by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage the United Kingdom authorities on the possibility of transferring Ekweremadu to Nigeria to complete his remaining jail term.

Okwu recalled that the Ohanaeze Youth Wing had, under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, made repeated appeals for government intervention in Ekweremadu’s case, but such efforts yielded no response.

He noted that the current administration’s initiative demonstrates a genuine concern for Ndigbo and a clear departure from the perceived neglect of the region by previous governments.

“This singular move by the President Bola Tinubu administration further reinforces his love for the Igbo people. President Tinubu has continued to do for Ndigbo what the previous administration deliberately refused to do,” Okwu stated.

The youth leader also lauded President Tinubu for the appointment of another Igbo son among the current service chiefs, describing it as a welcome step toward national inclusivity and equity.

Okwu, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the process of Ekweremadu’s transfer is successfully concluded, stressing that Ndigbo are deeply appreciative of the President’s gesture.

“Ndigbo are grateful to Mr President for initiating this move; this singular action and several others will never be taken for granted. We urge the government, having commenced the process, to see to its fruitful conclusion,” he appealed.

The Federal Government’s delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had reportedly commenced consultations with UK authorities as part of efforts to secure the transfer of Senator Ekweremadu to Nigeria.