Ohanaeze Sets Up Development Road Map

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has put mechanism in place  to enhance cultural sustainability,  institutional preservation  and economic self-reliance, coupled with the establishment of N35 million professorial chairs in Igbo studies and new development roadmap.

This was made known by the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata,  during the  Imeobi meeting at the International Conference Centre, Enugu,  where he presented  his one-year stewardship.

Senator Mbata stressed that plans were underway to establish professorial chairs dedicated to Igbo language studies, history and culture, propelled by N35 million start-up grants.

The Ohanaeze president highlighted  that seven professorial chairs—one each in universities across the seven Ohanaeze states—had already been endowed, with applications from qualified professors currently under scrutiny.

He said, “This is not just an academic intervention, but a strategic investment in cultural preservation, intellectual renaissance and the safeguarding of our identity for future generations through rigorous research and scholarship. We are ensuring that the Igbo narrative is documented, defended and dignified.”

Senator Mbata used the opportunity to unveil the establishment of Alaigbo Development Company and the Ndigbo Development Foundation, noting that both bodies would receive a N50 million start-up grant before the end of 2025.

Speaking in respect of his  achievements  in his  first year in office, Azuta-Mbata listed the construction of the new Ohanaeze national headquarters in Enugu, which is nearing completion, among his accomplishments.

The Ohanaeze president described the edifice as a monumental step towards providing the organisation with a befitting administrative nerve centre and a lasting institutional legacy.

“It is our plan to incorporate a museum of Igbo music, art and culture within the premises, making it a centre where Igbo artefacts and cultural items can be found.”

He submitted that the Imeobi meeting   “symbolises renewal, continuity and the Igbo people’s collective resolve to remain relevant, impactful and generationally significant.”

The Ohanaeze leader  also presented a revised edition of Ohanaeze constitution to the Imeobi for consideration and approval.

In his comment, erudite scholar and political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi tasked Igbos to define their place within the Nigerian project, highlighting the need for a level playing ground for all citizenry.

Prof. Utomi harped on  strict adherence to the rule of law and the protection of property rights as prerequisites for wealth creation and preservation.

“If you don’t have a society that preserves the rights of people to own property, you will always be vulnerable”.

He said that Nigeria needs principle driven political leadership to achieve meaningful progress and development.

Speaking, the former Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, stressed the need for Igbo unity and collective action in addressing shared challenges, urging the people to speak with one voice in pursuing their legitimate collective interests and aspirations.

In his contribution, a professor of Political Economy at Nasarawa State University, Jideofor Adibe, identified  “Igbo phobia” as a long-standing sense of exclusion, dating back to colonial times as a  challenge confronting the Igbo and called for a change of attitude.

Prof. Adibe advocated  a new charter for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stressing that Igbo identity must be a driving force in self-preservation and development.

He charged  Igbo musicians, artists and filmmakers to intensify efforts to project Igbo culture on global platforms such as Netflix, cautioning that cultural regression would persist if deliberate steps were not enhanced.

Prof Adibe  also encouraged the Igbo to build alliances with other regions and redirect youth grievances through the development of strong, inclusive economic  opportunities and governance

The conference attracted  prominent Igbo personalities, including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Senate  President,  Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Obi of Onitsha,  Igwe Alfred Achebe, among other notable dignatries.