By Sylvia Kodilichukwu,Enugu
As elections into apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze, are scheduled for Friday, January 20, President General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, has reaffirmed his commitment to hand over the reins of power to an indigene of Rivers State.
He stated that though his tenure as a PG is very brief, but “what matters is the impact and legacy with which we will be remembered. The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest on the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on January 10, 2025.”
Chukwu made the above remarks during the valedictory session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the organization which was held at its National Secretariat, No 7 Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
The Igbo leader reiterated that the success or failure of any organization is a function of its leadership recruitment process.
He explained that the Screening, Appeal and Electoral Committees for the purpose of the election comprise men and women whose public records and antecedents are above reproach.
Nze Chukwu once more urged the people of Igbo extraction in Rivers State in particular and other Igbo states in general to ensure that only men and women of integrity and proven records of accomplishments are put forward to fill the offices zoned to the states in accordance with the rotation principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
His words: “Every true Igbo looks forward to a vibrant Ohanaeze Ndigbo; a socio-cultural organization that comprises men and women of honour, moral rectitude and selfless service, an organization that lives up to expectations and places the Igbo interest first in their policies and programmes. In addition, an Ohanaeze that every Igbo will embrace with pride irrespective of political leaning, ideological persuasions and religious affiliations.”
Chukwu emphasized that for one to lead the Igbo, the person must have proven experience in leadership roles, particularly in cultural organizations, age grades, town unions, market associations or similar contexts.
Evidently, he added, the person must be well educated with demonstrable leadership traits, including strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
“Not only that, the person must have cultural competence; a deep understanding of Igbo culture, traditions, and values. Above all, such a person must have a profile of strong moral character, transparency, and accountability,” he stressed.
The Igbo leader seized the opportunity to introduce two Executive Orders: one of which is on membership registration.
Chukwu lamented that since Ohanaeze Ndigbo was founded in 1976, it has lacked the capacity to function effectively due to paucity of funds.
He therefore proposed that every Igbo should pay a registration fee of N100 monthly or N1200 per anum, while affiliate organizations will pay N250,000 annually.
He stressed that every proud Igbo will subscribe to the prescribed fees because we all aspire for a viable Ohanaeze with a strong economic base.
“Membership registration gives one a sense of belonging, ownership, and participation. A committee comprising eminent Igbo was constituted to drive the process,” he revealed.
The second Executive Order, Chukwu disclosed, is the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), charged with advisory, representative, oversight and supportive roles.
The PAC provides benefits of corporate knowledge and institutional memory and is expected to offer strategic guidance, policy formulation, stakeholders’ engagements, community outreach, mentorship, fund-raising, conflict resolutions, capacity-building, amongst others.
The two executive orders were approved by the NEC.
He later led the NEC to an exciting tour of the Centre for Memories at No 2 Awgu Street. Independence Layout, Enugu.
The Igbo leader appealed to the Federal government to put more efforts into the resolution of insecurity in the South-East by assisting the states in reviving the industries, thereby providing employment to the teeming youths.
He added that to restore peace and order, there is the need for a balance of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
To the State Governors, Nze Chukwu was full of praise, pointing out that though he had no interactions of any type with any of them except his State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, he appreciated the fact that they all have Igbo spirit burning in them and prayed for them to remain very committed to the growth and development of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
He appealed for special attention to the needs of the youth, saying that “we should assist them to achieve their life dreams and goals”, especially as the future is in the youth.
Nze Chukwu urged demonstration of empathy, care, and concern for the needs and future of the youth.
Members commended the Igbo leader for his enviable vision, missionary zeal and Apostolic ideal; more importantly, the courage to step in at a critical juncture that needed the intervention of a moral edifice with character.
Members noted that on January 10, 2025, the name of Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu will go down in history as the man who took the bull by the horn, re-wrote the Igbo narratives and left his name in gold.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay,on the occasion, also received commendations for piloting the ship, weathering the storms and emerging successfully at the demise of Chief Joel Kroham, the Deputy President General.
Appreciations also went to Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide National Publicity Secretary for his outstanding intellectual outputs and consistent aggressive media engagements amidst the numerous challenges that confronted the socio-cultural body.
Members commended Prince Garry Enwo Igariwey, a one-time PG of Ohanaeze for his invaluable interventions to save the body ,especially during the most turbulent times.
