Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Igbos to prioritize their collective interest and work together to accelerate development and prosperity. Speaking at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration in Umuahia, Otti emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and collective action. He noted that the future of Ndigbo depends on their ability to put aside differences and work towards a common goal. The celebration, themed “Njiko Ka” (Unity is Supreme), was hosted by Abia State.
Otti stressed that unity does not mean unanimity of opinion, but rather a consciousness that individual desires should not supersede the aspirations of the majority. He encouraged Igbos to allow individuals to hold divergent views while working towards the common good. The governor cited the Igbo republican tradition, which permits individuals to have different opinions while striving for a shared objective. He urged Ndigbo to replace discord and acrimony with peace, understanding, and sincerity.
The governor advocated for dialogue, consensus-building, and cooperation on development initiatives that can improve people's well-being. He identified education and intergenerational knowledge transfer as crucial elements of Igbo development. Otti cited examples such as “omugwo” and apprenticeship, which are part of the community's tradition of educating children. He emphasized that education remains critical to preparing young people for opportunities in the global economy.
Otti commended parents and community leaders for their role in inculcating excellence, patience, knowledge, and resilience in youths. He charged them with confronting substance abuse, violence, and other social vices. The governor highlighted Abia's free and compulsory education policy as a key initiative to drive development. He urged Igbos to look beyond immediate political and economic interests and consider the consequences of their decisions for future generations.
Earlier, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President-General John Azuta-Mbata said the theme underscored the need for unity among Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora. He noted that Ndigbo have made significant contributions to various fields, including commerce, industry, science, medicine, and academia. Azuta-Mbata urged young people to recognize themselves as custodians of the present and architects of the future, tasked with preserving and advancing the Igbo people's collective heritage.
Azuta-Mbata commended Otti for his commitment to advancing the region, describing 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. Nwachukwu emphasized that the Igbo people have a collective responsibility to build a stronger, united, and prosperous society.
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. Key to the celebrations was the call for unity and cooperation to drive development and prosperity.
Key points
- Governor Alex Otti urges Igbos to prioritize collective interest and work together to drive development and prosperity.
- Otti emphasizes that unity does not mean unanimity of opinion, but rather a consciousness that individual desires should not supersede the aspirations of the majority.
- The 2026 World Igbo Day celebration, themed “Njiko Ka” (Unity is Supreme), was hosted by Abia State.
