NIGERIA: Ohanaeze Youth Calls For Igbo Unity, Applauds Mbata’s Election As President-General

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing has congratulated Senator John Azuta Mbata on his election as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, hailing his leadership qualities and potential to drive the Igbo nation toward unity and progress.

In a statement signed by the youth wing’s spokesperson, Mazi Chika Art-Adiele, and made available to journalists on Sunday, the group praised Senator Mbata for his dedication to public service and his commitment to Igbo development.

The statement described Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District from 1999 to 2007, as a distinguished leader with exceptional character and a strong sense of identity as an Igbo son of Ikwerre extraction.

The statement read: “We celebrate the emergence of Senator John Azuta Mbata as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. His track record of leadership and his wide acceptance across Igbo communities make him the ideal person to guide the Igbo nation toward a progressive developmental trajectory in Ala Igbo. This is a significant milestone for our people.”

The National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Opkalaezeukwu, expressed optimism that Mbata’s leadership would herald a new era of sustainable progress for the Igbo people.

Opkalaezeukwu, who himself was recently elected as the Anambra State Chapter President of the youth wing, emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity among Igbos under Mbata’s administration.

Similarly, Mazi Wenceslaus Ogbonnia, the National Vice Chairman of the youth wing, described Mbata’s election as a meritorious and well-deserved recognition of his commitment to Igbo advancement.

“Senator Mbata’s emergence is a reflection of the collective will of Ndigbo to entrust our leadership to a capable and full-blooded Igbo son of Ikwerre extraction. His wide acceptance by the Igbo community in Rivers State is a testament to his credibility and vision,” Ogbonnia noted.

The youth wing highlighted the importance of upholding the legacy of past Igbo leaders who contributed to the socio-political and economic development of the region.

In their statement, they prayed for Senator Mbata’s good health and strength to fulfil his mandate, drawing inspiration from forebears like the late Senator Obi Wali, Chief Emmanuel Aguma, Chief Jackson Mpi, and HRM Eze C.C. Nwuche.

“Our prayers are with Senator Mbata as he takes on this significant role. We trust in his ability to build on the legacies of our forebears and steer the Igbo people toward greater unity, prosperity, and global recognition,” the statement added.