2026 WORLD IGBO DAY CELEBRATION: IGBO UNITY KEY TO A PROGRESSIVE AND PROSPEROUS ALA IGBO ~ GOV OTTI

Gov. Alex Otti

Umuahia the state capital yesterday witnessed the presence of all caliber of persons from Alaigbo ,Government officials,the academia, the Igbo intelligentia and Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Apex Igbo socio -cultural Organization who were in the state in commemoration of the 2026 World Igbo Day Celebration on the theme ” Njiko ka”.

Speaking at the event held at the Michael Okpara Event Center Umuahia,the Governor, Dr Alex Otti urged Ndigbo to strengthen their bonds of unity, foster greater cooperation and prioritize collective interests above individual differences for a more prosperous Alaigbo.

Governor Otti who made the call on Tuesday in Umuahia while speaking at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration hosted by Abia State,

Governor Otti who noted that the future of Ndigbo depends on their ability to work together despite differences in opinion, said that the republican tradition of the Igbo people allowed individuals to express divergent views while pursuing a common good.

“May I also emphasise that unity does not mean unanimity of opinion on every issue, but a consciousness that our individual desires cannot be superior to the aspirations of the majority.

“Agreed that it is fair to allow individuals to decide how they want to function, there is however no gain in plotting to undermine others just because you disagree with them.

“Yes, we may actually not be on the same page on a number of issues, including political and economic concerns, but we have to appreciate that none of us will be here forever”, he said.

Governor Otti urged Ndigbo to replace disunity, discord and acrimony with peace, understanding and sincerity of intentions adding that the theme of the celebration, “Njiko Ka”, was a timely reminder of the need for collective sacrifice in building a stronger future for the people.

Governor Otti also stressed the importance of education and intergenerational transfer of knowledge, citing “omugwo” the Igbo apprenticeship system and the Igbo community’s longstanding commitment to educating children as enduring traditions.

The Governor said that education was crucial to preparing Ndigbo for the opportunities of the global economy, citing Abia’s free and compulsory education policy as a deliberate step towards launching her citizens to the global opportunity.

Governor Otti also called for collective action against violence, crime and substance abuse, urging parents and leaders to instil in the youths the values of patience, excellence, knowledge and resilience.

In his welcome address, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, underscored the importance of unity, as encapsulated in the theme of the event, “Njiko Ka”.

Azuta-Mbata said Ndigbo, across Nigeria and around the world, have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to commerce, industry, science, medicine, academia, technology and other fields of endeavour.

He urged young people to recognise that they were not merely the future of Ndigbo, but also custodians of the present and architects of the future and charged them to embrace the responsibility of preserving and advancing the collective heritage of the Igbo people.

The Ohanaeze leader also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his commitment to the advancement of Alaigbo and described him as a true ambassador of the Igbo people.

In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and former military Governor of Old Imo state, General Ike Nwachukwu described the annual World Igbo Day Celebration as an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their journey as a people and the responsibilities they owe to present and future generations.

Rtd Gen Ike Nwachukwu (mid)

General Nwachukwu said Ndigbo have a collective responsibility to build a stronger, more united and prosperous society that would provide a better inheritance for generations yet unborn.

General Nwachukwu described the theme of the event, “Njiko ka,” as a simple but profound truth, stressing that a united people could achieve much more when they worked together towards a common purpose.

He acknowledged the contributions of prominent Igbo sons and daughters, both living and deceased, who, through their various fields of endeavour, had distinguished themselves and brought honour to Alaigbo.

Highlights of the event were testimonies and accounts from the delegation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from across various states of Alaigbo who toured various projects executed by Governor Otti across the 3 Senatorial zones of the state.

Mbata

The Governor, Dr Alex Otti alongside Senator John Azuta- Mbata, Professor Mrs Uche Azikiwe, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, General Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Mike Okiro among other prominent Igbo personalities had earlier laid wreaths in honor of eminent Igbo Heroes and Heroines at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph Umuahia and an Interdenominational
Church service at the Michael Okpara Event Center, Umuahia also featured goodwill messages from prominent Igbo Sons and Daughters.