The Igbo Intelligentsia Forum (IIF) has expressed profound admiration for Senator John Azuta-Mbata, who emerged last week as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Ndigbo worldwide.
Last weekend, the Coal City of Enugu was aglow with cultural pride and political unity as Igbo leaders and stakeholders converged to witness Azuta-Mbata’s historic emergence as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Held at the Ohanaeze headquarters in Enugu, the event attracted governors and representatives of the five South-Eastern states, as well as Delta and Rivers States, alongside members of the revered Imobi, dignitaries, and other key stakeholders.
IIF Convener, Chief Joe Chukwuemeka Ikunna described the new Igbo leader as a seasoned leader whose track record in public service and private endeavours makes him uniquely qualified to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this pivotal time.
He said: “It is a leadership choice that inspires hope and sparks optimism for a better Igboland. For us, this is a time to begin rebuilding and reconstruction. Igboland has been ravaged by insecurity and lack of development in different areas. This is the time of renaissance and we can not wait to begin with this new leadership led by Senator Azuta-Mbata”.
Ikunna noted that Azuta-Mbata has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Ndigbo. He added that his emergence as President General is not only a victory for Rivers State but for the entire Igbo nation which cuts across Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, and beyond.
The IIF convener further called on the new leadership to prioritise key areas such as economic empowerment, education, cultural preservation, and political advocacy. “This is a time to forge a collective agenda that uplifts the lives of our people, secures their future, and strengthen their voice in the national and global arena”, he added.
Ikunna reiterated IIF’s readiness to partner with the new Ohanaeze leadership. “As a think tank, the IIF is committed to providing strategic insights, policy recommendations, and intellectual resources to help Senator Mbata and his team succeed. We understand the magnitude of the challenges ahead, but we believe that through collaboration and a shared vision, Ndigbo can overcome any obstacle confronting them”, he said.
IIF is a Think Tank comprising highly cerebral Igbo professionals, scholars, business executives, and political representatives dedicated to the holistic development of Igboland.
The event also featured remarks from the governors and representatives of some governors in the South-East, Delta, and Rivers States, who pledged their full support to Azuta-Mbata’s administration. The governors collectively lauded the new leadership vision, emphasising the importance of economic initiatives to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndigbo. They urged unity among all Igbo groups.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and members of the Imobi also emphasised the need for a united and progressive Igbo agenda. Many highlighted the critical role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in addressing issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructural development.
In his acceptance speech, Azuta-Mbata acknowledged the enormity of the task before him, pledging to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and a deep sense of purpose. He agreed that this is a responsibility he should not take lightly. He pledged to work tirelessly with his team to uplift the socio-economic and cultural fortunes of Ndigbo. He called on every Igbo son and daughter to join hands with them in this noble journey.
As the curtains closed on the event, Ikunna encapsulated the mood of the day with a rallying call: “This is a new dawn for Ndigbo. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future of pride, prosperity, and progress for our people”.
The historic gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of Ndigbo when united. The palpable enthusiasm among attendees reflected a collective desire to see Igboland thrive amidst challenges.
The event marks the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era under the leadership of Azuta-Mbata and his executive team. With the support of stakeholders like the IIF, Nzuko Umunna, Aka Ikenga, etc, and the broader Igbo community, the future looks bright for Igboland.
