The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, said Thursday he would keep to the constitution of the pan-Igbo group by ensuring that the next Igbo leader is from Rivers State.
THE WHISTLER reports that Ohanaeze’s election comes up on January 10, 2025, in Enugu.
He stated that though his tenure as President General was very brief, “what matters is the impact and legacy with which we will be remembered.”
According to Chukwu, “The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest in the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on January 10.”
Chukwu spoke during the valedictory session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo held in Enugu.
He said the success or failure of any organization was a function of its leadership recruitment process, assuring that “the Screening, Appeal, and Electoral Committees of the Ohanaeze election comprise men and women whose public records and antecedents are above reproach.”.
He urged the people of Igbo extraction in Rivers State and other Igbo states in general to ensure that only men and women of proven records of accomplishments were elected into Ohanaeze leadership positions.
Quoting him, “Every true Igbo looks forward to a vibrant Ohanaeze Ndigbo; a sociocultural organization that comprises men and women of honour, moral rectitude, and selfless service; an organization that lives up to expectations and places the Igbo interest first in their policies and programs.”
He emphasized that for one to lead the Igbo, the person must have proven experience in leadership roles, particularly in cultural organizations, age grades, town unions, market associations, or similar contexts.
“The person must be well-educated with demonstrable leadership traits, including strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills,” he said, adding that “the person must have cultural competence; a deep understanding of Igbo culture, traditions, and values. Such a person must have a profile of strong moral character, transparency, and accountability.”
The Igbo leader appealed to the federal government to put more effort into the resolution of the state of insecurity in the South East by assisting the states in reviving the industries and thereby providing employment to the teeming youths.
“To restore peace and order, there is the need for a balance of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” he said.