Ohanaeze Ndigbo Calls for Unity at 2026 Igbo Day

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on Ndigbo to strengthen unity and collective action to accelerate the development of the South-East and secure a better future for the Igbo people.

The call was made during the 2026 Igbo Day commemoration held in Umuahia, Abia State, where Igbo leaders, stakeholders and representatives from different walks of life gathered to celebrate the people’s heritage, identity and collective aspirations.

The event, which culminated on September 29, was chaired by former military governor and retired General, Ike Nwachukwu, CFR.

Nwachukwu urged Ndigbo, particularly the younger generation, to embrace their cultural heritage, enterprise and excellence while contributing meaningfully to the development of Ala Igbo.

Declaring the commemoration open, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who served as host governor, urged Ndigbo to place collective interests above individual differences.

Otti stressed that unity and cooperation remained critical to advancing the development of the region.

In his address, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting unity among Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Mbata said the theme of the celebration, “Njiko Ka” (Togetherness is Best), underscored the importance of collective action in building a shared future for the Igbo people.

He said the strength of Ndigbo depended on their ability to work together despite differences in political affiliation, opinion, location and generation.

According to him, a renewed spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility was necessary to harness the talents, resources and institutions of the Igbo people towards common goals.

A major highlight of the celebration was the laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia in honour of Igbo heroes and heroines who made sacrifices in the history and development of the people.

The ceremony provided an opportunity for participants to pay tribute to the departed while reaffirming the values of service, courage and sacrifice.

The September 29 programme also featured an interdenominational church service.

The 2026 Igbo Day activities commenced on September 28 with a public lecture delivered by Professor Kingsley Moghalu.

Prominent personalities at the commemoration included Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Emeka Sibeudu, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Chief Mike Okiro, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, Princess Gloria Akobundu, PhD, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Archbishop Chibuzor Raphael Opoko, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, SAN, Rt. Hon. Ike C. Ibe, Prof. Ossy Nwebo, Chief Alexander Chika Okafor (Chikason), Rev. Divine Eches, PhD, Bishop Athan Azubuike and former Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.

The Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, delivered the closing remarks.

The statement was signed by Dr Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.