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…Through sports, culture, security initiatives
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide yesterday held its first general assembly meeting of the year in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, where leaders of the socio-cultural organisation discussed issues bordering on unity, security, youth engagement and preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the gathering, President of the Oyo State chapter, Umeh Okechukwu Nwabunke, said the meeting was convened to keep members informed about the organisation’s activities, achievements and future projections.
According to him, the assembly brought together delegates from various town unions, state associations and affiliate bodies across Oyo State to deliberate on issues affecting the Igbo community and chart a way forward.
He explained that one of the major items on the agenda was the proposed expansion of the Ohanaeze Unity League, a football competition initiated last year to foster unity among members.
Nwabunke said the organisers were considering adopting names of Nigerian states for participating teams in order to deepen national integration and create wider public interest.
“We know sports unite people despite political differences. Last year, we used locations within Ibadan, but this year we are looking at adopting names of Nigerian states to strengthen national unity,” he said.
The Ohanaeze president also disclosed plans to establish a security and data portal for Igbo residing in Oyo State to help identify members and address cases of criminal profiling.
He said the proposed database would capture information about Igbo residents irrespective of their occupations, adding that it would also help the organisation defend innocent members falsely accused of crimes.
Nwabunke further revealed that the organisation was planning a summit aimed at reviving the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, which he described as a globally recognised economic model gradually facing extinction.
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According to him, the summit would feature intellectual discussions, seminars and cultural engagements, including an Igbo Day celebration expected to attract national leaders, South-East governors and traditional rulers.
Regarding the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, the Ohanaeze leader said the group had not endorsed any aspirant but would engage candidates based on their commitment to good governance and inclusiveness.
“The person we will support must have the interest of the people at heart. We are going to interact with candidates and assess their antecedents before advising our people accordingly,” he stated.
Also speaking, the women leader of the organisation, Joe Madobe, said the association remained focused on preserving Igbo culture and language among younger generations born outside the South-East.
Madobe lamented the gradual decline in the use of the Igbo language among children and urged women to work together in promoting family values and cultural heritage.
She noted that the general assembly rotates across different zones in Oyo State to ensure wider participation among members.
The youth leader, Remigius Chima, urged Igbo youths to remain law-abiding and avoid social vices.
Chima commended the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for creating what he described as a conducive environment for business activities in the state.
He also encouraged eligible youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the organisation, Charles Obasi, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence among Igbos and their host communities in Oyo State.
Obasi noted that the gathering recorded participation from different communities, market associations and affiliate groups, describing it as one of the largest assemblies of the organisation in the state in recent times.
