Otti Advocates Unity, Collective Action For Igbo Progress

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged Ndigbo to strengthen their bonds of unity, foster greater cooperation and prioritize collective interests above individual differences in order to build a more prosperous future for the people.

Governor Otti who made the call on Tuesday in Umuahia while speaking at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration hosted by Abia State, noted that the future of Ndigbo depends on their ability to work together despite differences in opinion.

The Governor said unity should not be misconstrued as unanimity, stressing that the republican tradition of the Igbo allowed individuals to express divergent views while pursuing 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 a number of issues, including political and economic concerns, but we have to appreciate that none of us will be here forever”, he said.

Governor Otti urged Ndigbo to replace disunity, discord and acrimony with peace, understanding and sincerity of intentions adding that the theme of the celebration, “Njiko Ka”, was a timely reminder of the need for collective sacrifice in building a stronger future for the people.

The Governor also urged Ndigbo to think beyond immediate political and economic interests and consider the impact of their decisions on future generations.

He tasked them to promote dialogue, consensus-building and cooperation on development programmes that would benefit the people.

Governor Otti also stressed the importance of education and intergenerational transfer of knowledge, citing omugwo, the Igbo apprenticeship system and the Igbo community’s longstanding commitment to educating children as enduring traditions.

The Governor said that education was crucial to preparing Ndigbo for the opportunities of the global economy, citing Abia’s free and compulsory education policy.

He also urged parents and leaders to tackle substance abuse and other social vices while instilling values of excellence, patience, knowledge and resilience in young people.

Governor Otti also called for collective action against violence, crime and substance abuse, urging parents and leaders to instil in the youths the values of patience, excellence, knowledge and resilience.

In his welcome address, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, underscored the importance of unity, as encapsulated in the theme of the event, “Njiko Ka”.

Azuta-Mbata said Ndigbo, across Nigeria and around the world, have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to commerce, industry, science, medicine, academia, technology and other fields of endeavour.

He urged young people to recognise that they were not merely the future of Ndigbo, but also custodians of the present and architects of the future and charged them to embrace the responsibility of preserving and advancing the collective heritage of the Igbo people.

The Ohanaeze leader also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his commitment to the advancement of Alaigbo and described him as a true ambassador of the Igbo people.

In his opening remarks earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, said the event is an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their journey as a people and the responsibilities they owe to present and future generations.

Nwachukwu said that Ndigbo Igbo have a collective responsibility to build a stronger, more united and prosperous society that would provide a better inheritance for generations yet unborn.

He described the theme of the event, “Njiko Aka,” as a simple but profound truth, stressing that a united people could achieve much more when they worked together towards a common purpose.

Nwachukwu acknowledged the contributions of prominent Igbo sons and daughters, both living and deceased, who, through their various fields of endeavour, had distinguished themselves and brought honour to the Igbo people.

The event featured goodwill messages and an account by Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegates from the South-East states, who toured various project sites executed by Governor Alex Otti across the three senatorial zones of Abia State, as well as an interdenominational church service.

Governor Otti had earlier, alongside the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Prof. Uche Nnamdi Azikiwe among others, laid wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in honour of distinguished Igbo heroes and heroines.

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