The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, has reaffirmed his commitment to handing over power to an indigene of Rivers State on January 10, 2025.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking during the Valedictory Session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu, Chukwu emphasized the importance of leadership recruitment, stressing that only individuals with integrity, proven records, and strong moral character should be considered for leadership positions.
“What matters is the impact and legacy with which we will be remembered,” Chukwu said. “The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest on the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on January 10, 2025.”
Chukwu explained that the Screening, Appeal and Electoral Committees for the purpose of the forthcoming Ohanaeze election comprise men and women whose public records and antecedents are above reproach.
He urged the people of Igbo extraction in Rivers State in particular and other Igbo states in general to ensure that only men and women of integrity and proven records of accomplishments are put forward to fill the offices zoned to the states in accordance with the rotation principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Every true Igbo looks forward to a vibrant Ohanaeze Ndigbo; a sociocultural organization that comprises men and women of honour, moral rectitude and selfless service, an organization that lives up to expectations and places the Igbo interest first in their policies and programmes,” Chukwu said.
He emphasized that for one to lead the Igbo, the person must have proven experience in leadership roles, particularly in cultural organizations, age grades, town unions, market associations or similar contexts.
“Evidently, the person must be well educated with demonstrable leadership traits, including strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills,” Chukwu said. “Not only that, the person must have cultural competence; a deep understanding of Igbo culture, traditions, and values.”
Chukwu introduced two executive orders aimed at strengthening the organization. The first, a membership registration initiative, seeks to establish a strong economic base for Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
He proposed that every Igbo should pay a registration fee of One Hundred Naira per month or One Thousand Two Hundred Naira per annum; while affiliate organizations will pay Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira annually.
Chukwu stressed that every proud Igbo will subscribe to the prescribed fees because “we all aspire for a viable Ohanaeze with a strong economic base.”
“Membership Registration gives one a sense of belonging, ownership, and participation,” Chukwu said.
The second executive order establishes a Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), which will provide strategic guidance, policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, community outreach, mentorship, fundraising, conflict resolutions, capacity-building, amongst others.
Chukwu commended the NEC members for their patience and demonstration of community spirit. He also commended the governors, saying that though he had no interactions of any type with any of them except, of course, his State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma.
“I appreciate the fact that they all have Igbo Spirit burning in them,” Chukwu said. “I pray for them to remain very committed to the growth and development of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.”
Chukwu appealed for special attention to the needs of the youth, stressing that “our future is in the youths.”
“We must demonstrate empathy, care, and concern for their needs and future,” Chukwu said.
He also appealed to the federal government to address the insecurity in the South East and provide employment opportunities for the youth.
“The federal government must take decisive action to restore peace and order in our region,” Chukwu said. “We cannot afford to continue losing our young people to violence and poverty.”
“To restore peace and order, there is the need for a balance of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” Chukwu added.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, and Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary.
Chukwu’s leadership and vision have been praised by members, who noted that his name will go down in history as a leader who re-wrote the Igbo narratives and left a lasting legacy.
“Members commended the Igbo Leader for his enviable vision, his missionary zeal and Apostolic ideal; more importantly, the courage to step in at a critical juncture that needed the intervention of a moral edifice with character,” the organization said in a statement.
“Members noted that on January 10, 2025, the name of Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu will go down in history as the man who took the bull by the horn, re-wrote the Igbo narratives and left his name in gold.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, also received commendations for piloting the ship, weathering the storms and emerging successfully at the demise of Chief Joel Kroham, the Deputy President General; Late Professor George Obiozor, a former President General and Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a former President General, all within the life of this current administration.
Appreciations also went to Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary for his outstanding intellectual outputs and consistent aggressive media engagements amidst the numerous challenges that confronted the socio-cultural body.
Members commended Prince Garry Enwo Igariwey, a one-time President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for his invaluable interventions to save Ohanaeze, especially during the most turbulent times.
The event was attended by NEC members, governors, and other stakeholders, who all praised Chukwu’s leadership and vision.
The transition of power to a new leadership is expected to take place on January 10, 2025, with an indigene of Rivers State taking over as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide