Asagba Urges Ohanaeze to Intensify Promotion of Igbo Language, Heritage

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intensify efforts to preserve and promote the Igbo language, culture and heritage.

Azinge made the call on Sunday at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.

The forum, organised by the Delta State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was themed, “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”

The traditional ruler commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council for their initiatives aimed at preserving Igbo cultural identity and promoting the interests of Ndigbo.

He urged the organisation to sustain and deepen the initiatives, stressing the need to protect the Igbo language and heritage for future generations.

Azinge also expressed concern over the emergence of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting statements in the name of Ndigbo.

He called for greater coordination and collective action, describing Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

The Asagba recalled his previous involvement in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including his service on various global committees before becoming the traditional ruler of Asaba, noting that his experience reinforced the importance of unity and collective action in advancing the aspirations of Ndigbo.

He particularly commended Senator Mbata for his efforts towards repositioning Ohanaeze and promoting Igbo unity, interests and cultural heritage.

Earlier, the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside the Delta State Executive and other chieftains, paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba.

The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, who represented the President-General, conveyed Senator Mbata's goodwill to the traditional ruler.

The Asagba later joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he addressed participants and responded to issues raised during the forum.

Delivering the keynote address, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sibeudu, outlined the history, mandate and evolving role of the organisation.

Sibeudu also highlighted programmes introduced by the Senator Mbata-led Global Executive Council to strengthen Igbo unity, preserve the language and culture, promote education and advance the welfare of Ndigbo.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, as well as scholarship and bursary schemes approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Representing Mbata as Special Guest of Honour, Chukwu, in a goodwill message, 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 dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.

The Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, commended the national leadership for honouring the state chapter's invitation.

Odogwu also praised Mbata's initiatives to reposition the organisation and make it more responsive to the aspirations of Ndigbo.

The State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, expressed support for the direction of the organisation.

The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from various 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.

Several prominent sons and daughters of Delta State also attended the event, including 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.

The forum underscored calls for the preservation of Igbo language and culture, greater unity among Ndigbo, respect for constitutional processes and stronger cooperation between Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its chapters, affiliate groups and the wider Nigerian community.