The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, former Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu, has explained the history, mandate and evolving role of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo.
Sibeudu spoke on Sunday, September 20, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum organised by the Delta State chapter at the Grand Hotel, Asaba.
The forum, themed “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles,” provided an avenue for members and the wider public to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation’s evolution, leadership structure, responsibilities and programmes.
In his keynote, Sibeudu traced the development of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, highlighting its leadership trajectory, core mandate and changing approach to public engagement.
He also outlined initiatives 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 highlighted were efforts to promote Igbo language and cultural education, including a Professorial Endowment Chair initiative and a scholarship programme.
Sibeudu also noted the approval of bursaries for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria as part of efforts to sustain the language and deepen cultural education.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event and was represented by the Global Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Mbata urged the Delta State chapter and Ndigbo to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.
He stressed the importance of respecting the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while encouraging members to embrace dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.
Earlier, the national leadership, alongside the Delta State Executive and other Ohanaeze chieftains, paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at his palace.
Dr. Chukwu conveyed Mbata’s goodwill message to the traditional ruler, who thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Mbata for its initiatives and efforts.
Responding to Sibeudu’s keynote, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder of the organisation in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the state chapter’s invitation.
Odogwu also commended Mbata for initiatives aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The Delta State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, corroborated the remarks and expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from several 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.
Other prominent Delta State attendees 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 ultimately provided a platform for deeper engagement on the mandate and responsibilities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, while underscoring the importance of unity, peaceful engagement, constitutional order and cooperation among the organisation’s national leadership, state chapters, affiliate groups, Ndigbo and the wider public.
