Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced a series of institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the organisation for greater impact and strengthening its leadership structure.
The President-General, John Azuta-Mbata, disclosed this during a visit to Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. Azuta-Mbata was represented by his deputy, Chief Okey Nwadinobi.
He said the current leadership, elected in January 2025, had focused on consolidating the organisation’s structure, including holding a strategic retreat to define key objectives and develop a four-year work plan with measurable targets.
According to him, construction of a modern secretariat complex is about 85 per cent complete, marking significant infrastructural progress. He also announced plans to establish seven professorial endowment chairs—one in each South-East state—to promote Igbo language and culture.
Azuta-Mbata revealed that a new draft constitution has been prepared and will soon be presented to the general assembly for ratification. He further disclosed the revival of the Igbo Investment Company and the Igbo Development Foundation to stimulate economic initiatives.
He added that an annual Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day has been introduced to celebrate the preservation and advancement of the Igbo people.
The President-General commended Governor Otti for supporting the organisation’s activities and praised his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, road infrastructure and urban renewal. He noted that free primary and junior secondary education has reduced financial burdens on families, while expanded health centres and improved road networks have enhanced access and safety.
He described ongoing renewal projects in Aba and Umuahia as reflective of global best practices in urban planning, citing an independent survey indicating that most Abia residents are satisfied with the state government’s performance.
Azuta-Mbata also called for strategic engagement to address challenges faced by Igbos living outside the South-East, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, and urged South-East governors to collaborate on improving regional power supply to drive economic growth.
In his response, Governor Otti commended the organisation’s leadership for what he described as purposeful administration and acknowledged the issues raised, pledging to explore areas where the state could offer support. He congratulated the group on the near completion of its national secretariat and reaffirmed his commitment to its mission.