Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has recorded what stakeholders described as an uncommon institutional transformation under the leadership of its President General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, with far-reaching reforms and developmental milestones achieved within one year in office.
The achievements were formally presented during the Imeobi meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo held in Enugu, where members of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation reviewed the scorecard of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Presenting the report, Senator Mbata said the past year had been dedicated to rebuilding Ohanaeze into a stronger, more credible and development-driven institution that truly reflects the aspirations of Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
“In just one year, we have focused on strengthening our institutional foundations, restoring confidence, and repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to effectively serve the collective interests of our people,” Mbata said.
A major highlight of the report was the physical and administrative transformation of the Ohanaeze secretariat in Enugu, where the new headquarters building has reached about 80 per cent completion. According to the NEC, electrical installations have been fully supplied, while the perimeter fence is undergoing reconstruction. Improved working conditions and incentives were also introduced to boost staff morale and productivity.
On governance reforms, the President General disclosed that the NEC organised a three-day retreat in June 2025 at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, to prepare members for the task ahead. The retreat culminated in the development of a comprehensive four-year work plan and a clear definition of responsibilities for NEC officers, harmonised with the draft Ohanaeze constitution.
“We deliberately adopted structured planning and clear role definition to ensure accountability, efficiency and continuity in our administration,” Mbata noted.
The NEC also reported significant progress in digital transformation with the development and hosting of an official Ohanaeze website, alongside training of staff to manage the platform effectively.
In the area of education and cultural preservation, Senator Mbata announced the endowment of seven Professorial Chairs—one in each Ohanaeze state—with a take-off grant of ₦35 million for the study of Igbo language, literature and history. He said applications had been received from eligible professors, with the programme set to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
“Preserving our language and history is non-negotiable. These professorial chairs are strategic investments in the intellectual future of the Igbo nation,” he said.
The NEC also confirmed the completion of a comprehensive review of the Ohanaeze constitution. A 19-member committee chaired by Dr. Anthony Idigbe, SAN, was mandated to produce a draft that reflects present realities, which is now ready for presentation at the 2025 Imeobi meeting.
To support economic development in Alaigbo, the report revealed that two Ohanaeze-promoted, CAC-registered companies—Alaigbo Investment Company and Ndigbo Development Foundation—will receive a combined take-off grant of ₦50 million before the end of 2025.
On conflict resolution, the President General detailed interventions in Lagos, Abuja, London and Ireland, noting that long-standing disputes, including a four-year crisis in Ohanaeze London and Ireland, had been successfully resolved, leading to fresh elections and the inauguration of new leadership in November 2025.
“Peace within Ohanaeze structures is critical to our credibility. We will continue to pursue dialogue, justice and due process in resolving all internal disputes,” Mbata said.
The NEC also strengthened relations with other ethnic nationalities through active participation in the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum, while leading Igbo delegations to the burials of elder statesmen Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.
Further engagements included zonal symposiums, constitutional reform inputs, diplomatic interactions with foreign embassies, and improved media relations to project Igbo positions on national issues more effectively.
Among notable interventions was Ohanaeze’s donation of ₦19 million to former Rangers International players of the 1977 African Cup-winning team, redeeming an unfulfilled pledge made decades ago by the Federal Government.
The report also highlighted sustained funding support from South-East state governments, significant personal fundraising efforts by the President General, progress towards securing a Certificate of Occupancy for Ohanaeze land, and the establishment of partnerships to provide free legal services to Ndigbo.
“These achievements reflect collective sacrifice, vision and commitment. Our mission is to build an Ohanaeze that is united, impactful and respected, both nationally and globally,” Mbata concluded.
The Imeobi meeting ended with members applauding the NEC for what many described as a renewed sense of purpose and direction for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide under Senator Mbata’s leadership.
