By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide under John Azuta Mbata, for what he described as purposeful and people-centred leadership, while pledging his administration’s continued support for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when he received the new Ohanaeze leadership team at his office in Umuahia.
The delegation was led by the National Deputy President-General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the governor said the Mbata-led administration of Ohanaeze has lived up to expectations, noting that his confidence in the leadership was well placed.
“We are very happy with the progress that has been made so far. The support you received was based on our knowledge of your capacity to deliver, and one year on, we are not disappointed,” Governor Otti said, adding that the efforts of Senator Mbata and his team are evident.
The governor also assured the delegation that all issues raised during the visit had been carefully noted and would be examined to determine areas where the state government could offer further assistance.
Reaffirming his commitment to the organisation, Governor Otti highlighted his intervention in the renovation of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo State Secretariat and the settlement of outstanding arrears owed by the state.
He congratulated the leadership on the near completion of the Ohanaeze National Secretariat, pledged to attend its commissioning, and applauded the progress made on the draft constitution awaiting approval.
While thanking the delegation for the visit, the governor congratulated them on their successful elections and encouraged them to intensify efforts toward advancing the collective interests of Ndi Igbo.
Earlier, Senator John Azuta Mbata, represented by Prince Okey Nwadinobi, thanked Governor Otti for his role in supporting the current Ohanaeze leadership.
He commended the governor for what he described as a positive shift in governance in Abia State, citing notable improvements in education, healthcare delivery, and road infrastructure.
“Almost every community now has a health centre.
The road to Ohafia and developments in Aba show visible progress across the state,” Nwadinobi said.
He further outlined key programmes of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including plans to establish a seven-member professorial chair committee aimed at preserving the Igbo language from extinction.
He called on governors in the South-East to work collectively toward making the region safer and more conducive for investment, urging young Igbo entrepreneurs to return home and contribute to regional development.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, among other top government officials, were present at the meeting.
