The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter, has been hit by a financial crisis, with five months unpaid salaries and unable to pay office rent for two years.

President of the organisation in the state, Chief Chris Eluemunoh, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to the leader of Peoples Progressive Party (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, at his country home of Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

Eluemunoh said: “Ohanaeze in Anambra State does not have the financial capacity to pursue these noble goals. The issue of funding has been a major constrain for Ohaneze.

“As you are well aware, Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a cultural organisation, has no definite source of revenue, but has depended on the goodwill of well-meaning individuals.

“Past governments in the state had been complementing these individual efforts through annual grants to the organisation. However, it has not been easy for us to get the present administration in the state to continue in the direction of its predecessors.

“By failing to release any grant to us since its assumption of office last year March, the Chapter is now faced with serious financial challenges.

“But for our State President who had been bearing its financial burden all alone, Ohanaeze in Anambra State would have been grounded.

“In spite of his efforts, our bills had kept pilling, with non-payment of rent for our office accommodation for last year and for this year due in October, as well as arrears of salary for the secretariat staff for five months now, and many more.

“It has not been our intention to bother you with the problems of Ohanaeze. Nevertheless, as a well-meaning Anambrarian who has the interest of Igbo at heart, we considered it necessary to apprise you with the challenges facing the apex socio-cultural organisation of Ndigbo.”

•Photo shows Eluemunoh.