World Igbo Day: Otti urges Igbos to put collective interest first

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called on Igbos to deepen unity, cooperation and collective action to accelerate the development and prosperity of the people.

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Mr Otti made the call on Tuesday in Umuahia while speaking at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration hosted by Abia, with the theme, “Njiko Ka” (Unity is supreme).

He said the future of Ndigbo depends on their ability to work together despite differences of opinion, stressing that unity does not necessarily mean unanimity.

The governor said the Igbo republican tradition allowed individuals to hold divergent views while working towards the 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 several issues, including political and economic concerns, but we have to appreciate that none of us will be here forever,” he said.

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Mr Otti urged Ndigbo to replace discord and acrimony with peace, understanding and sincerity, saying the theme of the celebration reminded everyone of the sacrifices required to build a stronger future.

He also urged the people to look beyond immediate political and economic interests and consider the consequences of their decisions for future generations.

The governor advocated dialogue, consensus-building, and cooperation on development initiatives that can improve people’s well-being.

He identified education and intergenerational knowledge transfer as key elements of Igbo development, citing “omugwo”, apprenticeship, and the community’s tradition of educating children.

Mr Otti said education remained critical to preparing young people for opportunities in the global economy, citing Abia’s free and compulsory education policy.

He charged parents and community leaders to confront substance abuse, violence and other social vices while inculcating excellence, patience, knowledge and resilience in youths.

Otti, ‘true ambassador of the Igbo people’

Earlier, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, said the theme underscored the need for unity among Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Mr Azuta-Mbata said Ndigbo had made significant contributions to commerce, industry, science, medicine, academia, technology and other fields of endeavour.

He urged young people to recognise themselves not only as the future of Ndigbo but also as custodians of the present and architects of the future.

The Ohanaeze president-general charged them with preserving and advancing the Igbo people’s collective heritage.

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He commended Mr Otti for his commitment to advancing the region and described him as a true ambassador of the Igbo people.

The Chairman of the occasion, Ike Nwachukwu, said the celebration provided an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their journey and responsibilities to present and future generations.

Mr Nwachukwu, a former senator who represented Abia North District, said the Igbo people have a collective responsibility to build a stronger, united and prosperous society capable of bequeathing a better inheritance to generations yet unborn.

He described “Njiko Ka” as a reminder that people can achieve more when they work together toward a common purpose.

The chairman also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Igbo people, living and deceased, whose achievements had brought honour to the ethnic nationality.

The celebration featured presentations by members of the organisation, who toured selected projects executed by the Otti administration across Abia’s three senatorial districts.

The activities also included an interdenominational church service and laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in honour of distinguished Igbo heroes and heroines.

(NAN)