Ohanaeze Ndigbo Highlights Unity, Culture and Education at Asaba Public Forum

The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emeka Sibeudu, has highlighted the history, mandate and evolving role of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation at a public enlightenment forum in Asaba, Delta State.

Sibeudu, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, delivered the keynote address on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, during a forum organised by the Delta State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The event was themed “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”

In his presentation, Sibeudu traced the development of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including its leadership structure, core mandate and changing approach to public engagement. He also outlined initiatives under the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council aimed at promoting Igbo unity, preserving the Igbo language and culture, expanding educational opportunities and advancing the welfare of Ndigbo.

Among the programmes highlighted were efforts to strengthen Igbo language and cultural education through a Professorial Endowment Chair initiative and scholarship schemes. Sibeudu also said bursaries had been approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Ohanaeze President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the forum by the Global Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu. In a goodwill message, Mbata urged members of the Delta chapter and Ndigbo generally to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.

He also stressed the need to respect the organisation’s constitution and established processes while encouraging dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving internal differences.

Before the forum, the Ohanaeze national leadership, alongside the Delta State executive and other chieftains, paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at his palace. Chukwu conveyed Mbata’s goodwill message to the traditional ruler, who commended the organisation’s leadership and its initiatives.

Responding to the keynote address, Ohanaeze Deputy Secretary-General and Delta stakeholder, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for attending the event and commended Mbata’s initiatives. Delta State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also expressed support for the direction of the organisation.

The forum attracted Ohanaeze leaders from several states, including Rivers State President Livingstone Wechie, Enugu State President High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi and Anambra State President Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, who also serves as Acting Global Youth Leader.

The gathering ultimately provided a platform for discussions on Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s mandate and responsibilities while emphasising unity, cultural preservation, education, peaceful engagement and cooperation between the organisation’s national leadership, state chapters, affiliate groups and the wider Igbo community.