Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has called on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to spearhead efforts to restore the cherished moral and cultural values for which the Igbo people were historically known.
Governor Otti made the appeal on Tuesday, July 15, while receiving the executive members of the Abia State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by its President, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, at the Government House in Umuahia.
In his address, the Governor emphasized the need for Igbo leaders to take active responsibility in reviving traditional values such as honesty, dignity, respect for elders, and hard work.
“The responsibility of all of us is to bring back those good old days. Even in poverty, our people remained dignified and proud. There were things you couldn’t associate us with. We are not thieves,” he stated.
Governor Otti decried the erosion of cultural identity and the rise in societal ills, attributing some of the current challenges to a disconnect from Igbo language, heritage, and communal responsibility.
He stressed that the Igbo are naturally industrious and self-reliant, and urged Ohanaeze to champion initiatives that encourage community ownership and active involvement in rebuilding society.
“Our people are not used to begging or depending on handouts. Create the right environment, and they will thrive. That’s who we are,” he added.
Otti encouraged Ohanaeze to embark on sustainable projects that foster a sense of belonging and community participation, rather than relying solely on government support.
“Reach out to our people and let them contribute. Let them have a sense of ownership. That way, your projects will gain wide support,” he said, citing a recent successful N4.1 billion fundraising for the state’s security trust fund as an example.
The Governor also pledged to consider their requests for support and personally committed to assisting with the payment of the organisation’s office rent.
In his remarks, Dr. Okwuonu applauded Governor Otti for making the Igbo language a compulsory subject in Abia’s primary and secondary schools—an initiative that aligns with Ohanaeze’s cultural preservation goals.
He outlined the organization’s vision to establish branches in all Local Government Areas of the state before year-end and emphasized their commitment to instilling values of hard work and integrity among the youth.
Dr. Okwuonu also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to partner with stakeholders to promote the Igbo agenda and thanked the Governor for his continued support, especially during the last Ohanaeze national elections.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu.
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