BY CHUKWUMA CHIBUEZE, Owerri
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, has highlighted the history, mandate, evolving role and activities of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held in Asaba, Delta State.
Sibeudu, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, delivered the keynote address at the forum organised by the Delta State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Grand Hotel, Asaba.
The forum was themed “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.” In his keynote, Sibeudu traced the evolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, its leadership trajectory, mandate and changing approach to public engagement.
He also highlighted efforts by the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council to strengthen Igbo unity, preserve the Igbo language and culture, promote education and advance the welfare and aspirations of Ndigbo.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the organisation’s efforts towards Igbo language and cultural education, including a Professorial Endowment Chair initiative and scholarship programme, as well as bursaries approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the event by the Global Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu. In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Senator Mbata charged the Delta State Chapter and Ndigbo in general 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 pursue dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in addressing differences.
Earlier, the Ohanaeze national leadership, in conjunction with the Delta State Executive and other chieftains, paid a courtesy visit om the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at his palace. Dr. Chukwu conveyed the goodwill message of Senator Mbata to the traditional ruler.
The Asagba thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Senator Mbata for its initiatives and efforts.
Responding to the 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. He commended Senator Mbata for his initiatives aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also corroborated the remarks and expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from different states, including the Rivers State President, Livingstone Wechie; the 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 sons and daughters of Igbo land from Delta State in attendance 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. Chief Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr. Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu, among others.
The forum provided a platform for deeper understanding of the mandate and responsibilities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, while reinforcing the importance of unity, peaceful engagement, constitutional order and cooperation between the national leadership and chapters, affiliate groups Ndigbo and the general public.
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