Ohanaeze Ndigbo Unveils New Leadership For 2025.
In a significant development for the Igbo community, the Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee has announced the new members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation. The announcement was made on Monday in a statement co-signed by Dr. Ozobu and the committee’s secretary, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa.
Dr. Jackson Omenazu from Rivers State has been elected as the new President General, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first from his state to hold this position since the end of the Biafran War. Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro from Abia State has been appointed as the Deputy President General.
The new leadership team further includes Engr. Abbas Chinedu as Secretary General, Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia as National Public Relations Officer/Spokesman, Ambassador Kingsley C. Ekwenye as National Vice President General for Anambra, Chief Dr. Alexander Chikalue Okemiri for Ebonyi, Barr. Sylvester Nwogu for Imo, and Prof. Iheanacho Agboti as National Legal Adviser.
In his acceptance speech, Omenazu underscored the importance of his election, stating, “This is a historic moment for our people. It signifies the reclamation of our identity and the reversal of injustices that have lingered for decades. Our selection is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our heritage and aspirations.” He pledged to safeguard the organisation from political influences, focusing instead on the collective advancement of the Igbo people through funding from the Igbo diaspora.
Among the key priorities outlined by the new leadership are addressing security issues in the Southeast, advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and ensuring fair representation by including ethnicity and religion in the upcoming 2025 census. Omenazu also stressed the necessity of demilitarising the Southeast to foster peace and safety.
Additionally, the agenda includes pushing for a constitutional review to allow for Nigeria’s restructuring in line with the aspirations of all ethnic groups, alongside promoting economic development through initiatives like the AKU RUO ULO Industrial Business Hub.
Omenazu has also called on the federal government to expedite the dredging of Calabar Seaport, the development of the Azumiri Deep Blue Sea Port, and the reconstruction of railway infrastructure to enhance the region’s economic connectivity.
However, the path ahead is not without its challenges. The existence of another election committee, led by Chief Ejiofor Onyia, which is set to conduct a parallel election on January 10, 2025, signals potential continued factionalism within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Despite this, there remains hope among many that the new leadership will work towards unity and effectively represent the interests of the Igbo community.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, potentially steering the organisation towards a new era of advocacy and cultural preservation for the Igbo people.
