Igbo Day: Ohanaeze Confers “Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo” Title on Governor Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Monday conferred the title of “Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo” on Anambra state governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

The governor received the honor during the 2025 Igbo Day celebration themed, “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya” (Be your brother’s keeper) held at the Alex Ekwueme square.

Speaking at the event, Anambra State President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said the decision to honor the governor with the title was informed by his sterling performances in his barely four years tenure.

Okpalaezeukwu who doubles as Planning Committee chairman of the occasion described Soludo as strong believer that Igbo land could be developed to become destination point and not a departure lounge.

“This is a major step towards securing the best bargain for our people and Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes and appreciates it,” he posited.

Responding, the Governor thanked the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization for finding him worthy of the honor, describing it as demand for more work.

Soludo said the Igbo Day celebration offered people of the region opportunity to reflect not just on their past, but on the future.

He also thanked the organization for considering Anambra as host state for the commemoration, assuring them of peaceful stay.

He said, “I thank you for choosing Anambra as host state. I also thank you for remembering our heroes past who sacrificed their lives in quest for Nigerian nation.

“Every nation has got its vicissitudes. This occasion is to remind us that never again will we experience war.

“Never again, especially for those craving for war, even when they didn’t experience any. We must take advantage of this day to reflect on what the future holds for Ndigbo.

“We’re the itinerant tribe in everybody’s village across the world. And an itinerant people can never be an intolerant people.

“We must realize that our future lies in our prosperous homeland and with the latitude to be able to soar across the length and width of the earth.

“Our prosperity, longevity, sustainability lies in our ability to explore what the entire world can offer.

“We have great say in Nigeria. Igbos need Nigeria as Nigeria needs the Igbos. Igbos need Africa, Africa needs Igbos.

“We’re major stakeholder in the Nigeria project. And that must be the major lesson for the “Never again”.

The governor further reiterated call for release of detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release would enable him participate in the discussion for Igbo’s future.

He recalled how he led delegation of prominent Igbos to Kuje prison, demanding for Kanu’s release before assuming office as Governor.

“Today, I also join the Ohaneze Ndigbo in calling for his release. I thank the judge for ruling that he should granted medical attention.

“We need him to be released so he can join the rest of us in a round table conference for an important debate on the future of Igbos.

“Today should be a reminder to NdIgbo that never again will we experience another war. It should serve as a day for sober reflection, not just for the past, but for the future of our children,” he added.

Earlier, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen Azuta Mbata urged people of the region to unite to build Igbo nation anchored on strong economic progress, peace and unity.

Mbata, represented by his deputy, Okey Nwadinobi restated Ohaneze’s commitment and support for a united Nigeria that cared for all.

He however called for due recognition of Ndigbo in view of their immense contributions to the Nigeria project.

He said, “Today is a solemn and sacred occasion in the Igbo national calendar, for collective reflection, honoring memory of the victims of the 1966 pogrom, innocent patriots whose sacrifice continues to inspire the spirit of unity, justice and peace among Ndigbo.

“We’ve come here today, not in celebration, but in commemoration of our brothers brutally murdered before and during the civil war and those who paid the supreme price.

“Let us do what is right and be our brother’s keeper. We do not want a desolate Igbo land; we want an Igbo land that will be a choice destination in Nigeria.

“Let us build an Igbo nation anchored on strong economic progress, peace and unity. We work and support a united Nigeria. A Nigeria that cares for all.

“As Ndigbo, we have contributed greatly to Nigeria and have made the nation proud, we deserve to also be recognised.”

Appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for accepting to host the event, Mbata urged other governors of the zone to emulate the gesture by getting prepared to do same in subsequent editions.

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ned Nwoko described the theme as apt, calling for unity among Ndigbo.

He also expressed joy over the accelerated speed towards actualization of Anioma state at the National Assembly as the sixth state of the southeast, calling for support from all stakeholders.

“If we’re more united, we’ll achieve much more. We must affirm our resolve to keep loving one another. Let’s love continue to keep us together. Nobody should be left behind,” he posited.