In a significant day for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide celebrated the 66th birthday of its President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, while simultaneously inaugurating a substantive leader for its crucial Enugu State chapter, Chief Uche-Damian Obisi. These dual events, held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, underscore a period of both reflection on leadership and forward-looking consolidation for the group.
A Celebration of Visionary Leadership
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze issued a formal congratulatory message, signed by National Publicity Secretary Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, lauding Senator Mbata as “a benevolent and visionary leader.” The statement highlighted that his tenure, though less than a year old, has been defined by “uncommon commitment, courage and an inspiring demonstration of love for Igbo nation.”
More than just praise, the NEC pointed to concrete initiatives that have marked Mbata’s administration with “purposeful direction.” These landmark programs provide a clearer picture of his strategic priorities for the Igbo nation:
- Ohanaeze Professorial Endowment Chairs: Established across the seven Igbo-speaking states, this initiative is a direct investment in intellectual and cultural preservation. By funding academic positions dedicated to Igbo language and culture, the organization seeks to combat linguistic erosion and ensure scholarly rigor in the study of Igbo history and traditions for future generations.
- Re-establishment of the Alaigbo Stabilisation Fund: This is arguably the most ambitious economic project. The fund is envisioned as a strategic financial vehicle to drive what the statement calls “the economic renaissance of our people.” While details were not fully elaborated, such a fund typically aims to pool resources for infrastructure development, support indigenous businesses, and provide a buffer against regional economic shocks, reflecting a move towards greater economic self-determination.
The statement noted that these achievements earned Mbata a “resounding standing ovation” at the recent Imeobi Ohanaeze meeting in December 2025, a powerful gesture within the organization’s highest decision-making body.
Echoing this sentiment, Deputy President-General Prince Okey Nwadinobi was quoted, emphasizing that Mbata’s “passion for Alaigbo is not merely spoken but clearly reflected in bold actions.” The NEC used the occasion to reaffirm its “unflinching loyalty and total support” to Mbata’s leadership.
Steadying the Ship in Enugu: A New Chapter President
In a related but distinct administrative act, the organization moved to fill a critical vacancy. Dr. Peter Aneke, the National Treasurer, inaugurated Chief Uche-Damian Obisi as the substantive President of the Ohanaeze Enugu State Chapter. This action fills the void left by the tragic passing of the previous chapter president, Dr. Okey Adenyi, who died in April 2025, just months after his own inauguration in January of that year.
The significance of the Enugu chapter cannot be overstated. As the historical and administrative capital of the Igbo heartland, Enugu’s chapter often sets a tone for the region. Representing President-General Mbata, Vice President Prof. Fredrick Eze highlighted this, stating, “Enugu, being the capital of Igboland, whatever affects it touches other states of the South-East.” He described the inauguration as “a new day and a new beginning,” charging the new leadership to take the recently inaugurated Ohanaeze constitution to the grassroots and mobilize people for regional development.
Chief Obisi, in his acceptance speech, pledged to leverage his extensive experience within Ohanaeze to bring positive change. He outlined a pragmatic vision of using the organization’s community-level executives to identify local needs and articulate them to government, positioning Ohanaeze as “the mouth piece of the people.” He also acknowledged the support of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for the inauguration process.
Context and Implications
These twin events reveal an Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a phase of active institutional strengthening. The celebration of Mbata’s first-year achievements serves to validate his policy direction and solidify internal unity. Simultaneously, the swift and formal inauguration in Enugu demonstrates a focus on organizational stability and ensuring that all structural pillars of the group are firmly in place. For observers of Igbo politics and socio-cultural development, the day underscored a narrative of continuity, strategic planning, and the challenges of maintaining momentum in the face of unforeseen setbacks like the loss of a chapter leader.
Reported by Alex Enebeli for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Maureen Ojinaka, Benson Ezugwu, and Sam Oditah.
