The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter, has organised a one-day retreat and seminar, aimed at boosting integrity and promoting core Igbo values as part of measures to galvanise various organs of the body for greater efficiency.
The retreat held in Awka, on Friday, attracted Ohanaeze Ndigbo elected executives from the local government to the state level, as well as the leadership of the women and youth wings.
The event is themed, ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a mechanism to galvanize and uphold the core values of the Igbo race/nation with special reference to Anambra State’.
Speaking at the event, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, explained that the motive behind the programme was to enlighten the new excos to understand the expectations and the mandate of the organisation.
Okpalaezeukwu said, “The Ohanaeze organisation under my leadership is committed to ensuring that its functionaries are alive to their responsibilities, to be able to fulfil their mandate. Through this programme, we are boosting integrity and promoting core Igbo values.
“The apex Igbo organisation in the state has activated its organs for greater performance, especially at the community level. We are optimistic that the retreat will make a positive impact on the workings of the organisation in the state.”
Speaking on the November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state, Okpalaezeukwu noted that the Ohanaeze, by its formation, was designed to champion the political welfare, development, and promotion of Ndigbo as a nation in Nigeria, but on a non-partisan basis.
He said the Ohanaeze will evaluate the candidates according to their manifestos and personalities, to ensure that the best candidate who will secure the best deal for the people emerges.
“This is an election year, and we are urging our excos not to tilt to any political party. Rather, we should champion Igbo interests.
“We also must ensure that there is no voter apathy and that the people come out in their numbers to participate in their civic responsibility.
“We will also work to ensure a stable environment that will enable the people to participate in the elections,” he said.
In a keynote presentation, former National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said Ohanaeze must begin to carry itself as the leader of the Igbo nation, urging the Ohanaeze leadership in the state to lead by example.
Okeke-Ogene urged the officials of Ohanaeze to avoid controversial statements that can destabilise the organisation, but to follow its hierarchy to ensure unity of purpose.
“Ohanaeze operates as a family, and any internal crisis must be settled amicably. The success of the present Ohaneze Anambra leadership is solely dependent on your support,” Okeke-Ogene said.
On his part, the immediate past State President of the Organisation, Chief Chukwuemekalum Udodeme, suggested that the organisation focuses on strengthening Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the local government level.
Udodeme urged them to respect the government of the day, as is the policy of the organisation, and shun programmes that will undermine the image of the group.
The immediate past Chairman of the State Association of Town Union, Titus Akpudo, maintained that the new Ohanaeze leadership in Anambra State has emerged, and the organization’s officials must rally support for it.
Akpudo urged unity among the organization’s ranks, advising against divisive tendencies that can destroy the growth and progress of the association.
The retreat provided the opportunity for the leaders of the group to ask questions and get clarifications on some grey areas of their offices.
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