BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

The apex Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has expressed commitment to partner with Abia State government for the socio economic development of Ndigbo.

This is even as the Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti commended the Senator Azuta-Mbata-led leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for what he described as purposeful leadership and dedication to the advancement of Igbo nation.

This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu,
National Publicity Secretary,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Dr. Otti noted that the organisation had demonstrated capacity and vision in its first year in office and assured the delegation of the continued support of the Abia State Government for initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and unity of Ndigbo.

The Governor made this remark when the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide paid a courtesy visit at his Nvosi Country Home, Isiala Ngwa South, LGA of Abia State.

The delegation, led by the National Deputy President-General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, who represented the President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, briefed the Governor on the programmes and reform agenda of the current leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Mbata.

The state governor further stated that he had taken note of the issues raised by the delegation and would explore areas of collaboration between the State government and the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

He also reiterated his commitment to supporting Ohanaeze Ndigbo and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to strengthening the organisation.

Speaking earlier, Prince Nwadinobi thanked Governor Otti for his support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo and for the role he played in the emergence of Senator Azuta-Mbata as President-General.

He also eulogized the Governor’s developmental strides in Abia State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare and education, noting that the administration had restored confidence and dignity among the people of the state.

Nwadinobi furthermore outlined key programmes and initiatives which Mbata led Ohanaeze NEC has embarked on, including the establishment professorial Endowment Chair in seven universities of Igbo states, aimed at preserving and promoting Igbo language and cultural heritage.

He equally mentioned the draft constitution which has been approved by Imeobi, Annual Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day, Peace Initiatives aimed at reconciling various Igbo groups across the globe.

The meeting was attended by members of the Abia State Executive Council, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, among others.

The Ohanaeze delegation on the other hand comprised of members of the expanded National Executive Committee, including the Secretary-General, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu; National Vice Presidents-General, other national officers and Seven State Presidents of the organisation, underscoring the broad national representation of the apex Igbo body at the meeting.

The Vice President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo representing Enugu State, Prof. Fred Eze, delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the delegation.

The visit forms part of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s ongoing engagement with leaders and stakeholders, aimed at strengthening unity, promoting cultural renaissance and advancing the socio-economic development of the Igbo nation.