The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has urged the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intensify efforts towards preserving and promoting the Igbo language, culture and heritage.
Azinge made the call on Sunday at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.
The traditional ruler commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, and the organisation’s Global Executive Council (GEC) for initiatives aimed at preserving Igbo cultural identity and promoting the interests of Ndigbo.
He urged the organisation to sustain and deepen such initiatives, stressing that concerted efforts were needed to protect the Igbo language, culture and heritage for future generations.
Azinge also condemned the emergence of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting statements in the name of Ndigbo, rather than working through Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he described as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
He recalled his longstanding involvement in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including his service on various global committees before becoming the Asagba of Asaba, saying his experience had reinforced the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The Asagba further commended Mbata for his initiatives aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo and promoting the unity, welfare and cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
Earlier, the national leadership of Ohanaeze, alongside the Delta State Executive and other chieftains, had paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba.
The organisation’s Global Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, who represented Mbata, conveyed the President-General’s goodwill to the traditional ruler.
The Asagba later joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he addressed participants and responded to issues raised during the forum.
The event featured a keynote address by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emeka Sibeudu, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
The forum, organised by the Delta State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was themed: “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”
Sibeudu provided an overview of the history, mandate and evolving role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, while highlighting programmes of the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council aimed at strengthening Igbo unity, preserving the Igbo language and culture, promoting education and advancing the welfare and aspirations of Ndigbo.
He listed the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, scholarship initiatives and bursaries approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria among the initiatives of the current leadership.
Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by Dr Ezechi Chukwu.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Mbata urged the Delta State chapter and Ndigbo to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.
He stressed the need to respect the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while encouraging dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.
Responding to the keynote address, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the state chapter’s invitation.
Odogwu commended Mbata for initiatives aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to better respond to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from various states, including the Rivers State President, Livingstone Wechie; Enugu State President, High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi; and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State and Acting Global Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Other prominent attendees from Delta State included Chief Prof. Leroy Edoziem; Obi (Hon.) Chimeta Okonta; Ogbueshi Paschal Onuku; Hon. Chief Engr. Emma Eboh, who represented Senator Ned Nwoko; Chief Mrs Lizzy Chiazor; Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu, among others.
The forum underscored the importance of preserving the Igbo language and culture, strengthening unity among Ndigbo, respecting constitutional processes and promoting cooperation between Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its chapters, affiliate groups and the wider Igbo community.
