Igbo Building Bridges Across Nigeria, World – Okorocha

A former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has described the Igbo as peace-loving people who have continued to build bridges of friendship, promote national unity, and contribute to development across Nigeria and the world.

Okorocha spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 2026 Igbo Nwanma Celebration, organised by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT Chapter, bringing together Igbo leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, traditional and political leaders, stakeholders, community members, and Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He said the presence of Igbo in different parts of Nigeria and across the globe had enabled them to contribute to economic development while fostering relationships among communities.

According to him, Ndigbo are committed to peaceful coexistence and remain interested in actively participating in Nigeria’s affairs and development.

“Everywhere you go, you find an Igbo man building bridges of friendship and helping brotherhood,” Okorocha said.

He called for greater unity and cooperation among Nigerians, while conveying greetings from the Igbo community to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady.

Okorocha said the Igbo wanted to be part of the country’s affairs and supported efforts to strengthen relations across the Niger.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said she had developed strong ties with the Igbo community and acknowledged the support and relationships she had received from Igbo leaders.

The minister said political participation was driven by interests, urging Nigerians and various communities to work together to advance shared interests.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said she was proud to identify with the Igbo community, recalling that she had been honoured with a traditional title in Aba and had benefited from her relationships with Igbo leaders.

She stressed that cooperation among Nigerians was essential to achieving common objectives and urged communities to work together to pursue their interests.

“We work together, we win together,” she said.

Meanwhile, a former Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Ginika Tor, also commended Ndigbo for their contributions to national development, describing the celebration as a demonstration of unity, cultural pride and commitment to Nigeria.

Tor said the recognition of distinguished Igbos was based on their achievements rather than ethnicity.

“We are honouring some Igbos here, not because I am Igbo, but because we want to appreciate their best,” she said.

She described the gathering as significant because it brought people together to celebrate unity and culture.

“Any event that brings people together to celebrate unity is always a welcome thing. What I am seeing here is a display of unity,” Tor added.

The former commissioner further praised the entrepreneurial and professional contributions of Igbos, noting that their influence could be seen across several sectors of the Nigerian economy and in the diaspora.

She said the large turnout at the celebration demonstrated the strength of the community’s bonds and shared identity.

The celebration, according to her, provided an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their history, assess their present circumstances and consider their collective future.

“It is an opportunity for us to revitalise our sense of oneness as one people and to reflect on where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going,” the organisers said.

The event featured the Igbo Nmanma Excellence Award, which recognised individuals for their contributions to the Igbo community and the wider society.

She emphasised the need for unity, cultural preservation, economic empowerment and greater participation in national affairs.

She called for stronger collaboration between the Igbo community and other ethnic groups, noting that Igbos had continued to build relationships and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT Chapter, Chief Andrew Ugwu Onowu Afulukwe, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the FCT administration for supporting the celebration.

Afulukwe said Igbos living in Abuja were pleased with the administration and highlighted the community’s contributions to investment and business activities in the Federal Capital Territory.

He called for sustained peace, unity and cooperation among Nigerians, stressing that the Igbo community in Abuja remained committed to peaceful coexistence and the development of the FCT and Nigeria.

The celebration also featured the presentation of awards to members of the Igbo community and other distinguished guests.

Participants ended the event with prayers for the Igbo community, the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria, while reaffirming their commitment to cultural identity, unity and national development