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ASABA, DELTA STATE — The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has charged Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intensify efforts to preserve and promote the Igbo language, culture and heritage, warning against developments capable of weakening the collective identity and unity of Ndigbo.
Azinge gave the charge on Sunday at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.
The traditional ruler commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council, GEC, for their initiatives towards preserving Igbo language, culture and heritage, urging the organisation to sustain and expand the programmes.
He said the preservation of the Igbo language and cultural heritage was critical to ensuring that succeeding generations remained connected to their identity and history.
The Asagba also frowned on the emergence of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting statements in the name of Ndigbo, rather than working through the leadership and programmes of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he described as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Azinge, who recalled his long-standing involvement in Ohanaeze before becoming the Asagba of Asaba, said his service on various global committees of the organisation had given him first-hand experience of the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The call came as Ohanaeze Ndigbo intensified its public enlightenment activities across the country, with the Delta State chapter hosting stakeholders and leaders at the forum, themed: “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”
Earlier, the national leadership of Ohanaeze, alongside the Delta State Executive and other chieftains, had paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba.
The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, who represented Senator Mbata during the visit, conveyed the President-General’s goodwill to the traditional ruler. 
The Asagba subsequently joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he addressed participants and responded to issues raised during the forum.
Ohanaeze outlines programmes
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, delivered the keynote address at the event.
Sibeudu traced the history and evolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and explained its mandate, activities and changing role in advancing the interests of Ndigbo.
He also highlighted programmes of the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council aimed at strengthening Igbo unity, preserving the Igbo language and culture, promoting education and advancing the welfare and aspirations of Ndigbo.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, scholarship initiatives and bursaries approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Senator Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by Dr. Chukwu, who delivered a goodwill message on his behalf.
Mbata urged the Delta State chapter and Ndigbo generally to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.
He emphasised the need for respect for the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while calling for dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving differences within the organisation.
Stakeholders back new direction
Responding to the keynote address, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the state chapter’s invitation.
Odogwu commended Senator Mbata for initiatives he said were designed to reposition Ohanaeze Ndigbo and make the organisation more responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The Delta State President of Ohanaeze, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum attracted Ohanaeze leaders from different states, including the Rivers State President, Livingstone Wechie; Enugu State President, High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi; and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State and Acting Global Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Prominent Igbo sons and daughters from Delta State who attended the event included Chief Prof. Leroy Edoziem; Obi (Hon.) Chimeta Okonta; Ogbueshi Paschal Onuku; Hon. Chief Engr. Emma Eboh, who represented Senator Ned Nwoko; Chief Mrs. Lizzy Chiazor; Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr. Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu, among others.
The forum ended with renewed emphasis on the preservation of the Igbo language and cultural heritage, greater unity among Ndigbo, adherence to constitutional processes and stronger cooperation among Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its state chapters, affiliate organisations and the wider Igbo community.
The development, organisers said, was part of efforts to deepen public understanding of the mandate and activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and strengthen its engagement with Ndigbo across Nigeria.
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