Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has constructed a new world headquarters for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu. The facility, located on Park Avenue in Enugu GRA, is expected to be handed over to the organisation in October. The project is currently in its final stage, with construction having been inspected by Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, Okorocha, and other officials. The new headquarters features modern facilities, including twin auditoriums, offices, conference rooms, a library, and an interactive audiovisual space.
Okorocha stated that his decision to build the facility was motivated by his desire to provide Ohanaeze with a permanent home and promote pride and identity among Ndigbo. He mentioned that he was inspired by his visit to the old Ohanaeze secretariat, which he felt was inadequate for the organisation representing millions of Ndigbo. The new headquarters aims to provide a permanent institutional home for Ohanaeze and strengthen its capacity to serve Ndigbo in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
The new headquarters, designed by Walsh Blanc, an integrated spatial design and experiential architecture practice, was inspired by the need to create a facility that would unite Ndigbo while telling the story of their history, culture, and identity. The building incorporates several Igbo-themed elements, including a lion motif, red and white colours, and seven pillars representing the seven Igbo-speaking states. The facility also features a memorabilia space in the basement, where audiovisual installations, artworks, documentaries, and historical materials will be displayed.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, commended Okorocha and the Rochas Foundation for the project, describing the building as befitting of the Igbo people. He noted that the project served as a reminder of the common roots of Ndigbo and the need for greater unity. Mbah emphasised that the location of the facility in Enugu, a significant centre of Igbo identity, made the project particularly important.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, thanked Okorocha for his effort to provide a lasting symbol for the organisation. He stated that the facility would serve as a legacy for successive leaderships of Ohanaeze and strengthen its ability to protect and defend the interests of Ndigbo. Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude for Okorocha's commitment to promoting Igbo pride and identity.
The building is about 85 percent complete, with landscaping and finishing works still ongoing. Okorocha stated that the formal commissioning would be arranged by the Ohanaeze leadership and the Enugu State government, while his responsibility would be to hand over the building to the organisation. He emphasised that the building was for Ohanaeze and would forever remain a property of the organisation.
The new headquarters is expected to be formally handed over to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the first week of October. The facility will enable Ohanaeze to respond more effectively to the needs of Igbo people, particularly those in diaspora who encounter difficulties. Part of the old Ohanaeze secretariat will be preserved as a historical reference point, with old furniture, flooring, and other materials retained alongside photographs and videos documenting the history of the former building.
Key points
- Okorocha builds new headquarters for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu.
- The facility is expected to be handed over to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in October.
- The new headquarters features modern facilities, including twin auditoriums, offices, and an interactive audiovisual space.
