Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra, and Dr. Alex Otti of Abia were among very important personalities who graced the election of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization in Enugu on Friday.
Other notable Igbo leaders in attendance were Dr. Chris Ngige, former Anambra governor and Minister under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, and Sen. Victor Umeh.
Azuta-Mbata, who represented Rivers East Senatorial District, succeeds Chief Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure has ended.
Persecondnews reports that Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected as the National Deputy President while Chief Emeka Sibeudu from Anambra State was elected as the new Secretary General of the Igbo group.
The election, which was held at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, the Enugu State capital on Friday and conducted via voice voting, resulted in the election of 16 individuals into various executive positions within the organisation.
Azuta-Mbata’s emergence follows the zoning of the office to Rivers State after the passing away of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, from Imo State.
In his acceptance speech, the new head of the organization expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support, promising to work towards uniting the Ndigbo and addressing pressing issues.
As a former senator, Azuta-Mbata brings extensive experience to his new role, having served as a senator for the Rivers East constituency from 1999 to 2007.
In his speech at the occasion, the host governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, stressed the importance of unity and urged all to prioritise the collective interests of Ndigbo above individual or partisan concerns.
Mbah emphasized that the socio-political factors which led to the formation of a pan-Igbo organization in the 1970s are still relevant in today’s society.
He commended past Igbo leaders like Dr. Michael Okpara, who demonstrated remarkable leadership skills rooted in patriotism, selflessness, and a strong sense of community.
He stated: “We may be gathered here for the crucial task of electing
members into the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, but this epic event offers an opportunity for introspection regarding the noble vision that inspired our forebears to establish this organisation.
“The ties that bind us run deep and transcend geographical boundaries, for we share a common history and cultural heritage. Our forebears understood that unity is a formidable force.
“From the Igbo Federal Union to the Igbo State Union and the Igbo Forum, which eventually became Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979, the motivation was always to forge unity and brotherhood amongst the Igbo.
“For them, the collective interest was paramount, not narrow interests shaped by party affiliations or boundaries.
“One of the simplest yet profound lessons about unity is the metaphor of a quiver of arrows. A single arrow can be broken easily, but a bundle of arrows is unyielding, even under pressure.
“Failing to unite leaves us vulnerable, but standing together gives us strength and resilience. Let us act collectively to achieve this goal—not merely through words but with our actions.”
Born in January 1960, Azuta-Mbata holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the prestigious University of Ibadan.
Before becoming a senator, he served as a member of the Governing Council of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
As a senator, Azuta-Mbata played key roles in various committees, including Defense, Works & Housing, Women Affairs, and Finance & Appropriation, where he served as vice chairman.
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