At a scheduled meeting held at the National Secretariat on Saturday December 14, 2024, t, No. 7 Park Avenue, GRA Enugu, the aim of which was to review the series of events that have taken place since the tragic demise of Chief Dr. Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR.
The Imeobi, which was attended by notable Igbo leaders, took note of the chain of catastrophe which has visited Ohanaeze in the last couple of years especially the successive demise of two Presidents-General between 2022 and 2024.
The Imeobi, extensively reviewed the situation and took note that the tenure of Imo State in the presidency of Ohanaeze would expire on January 10, 2025 and that there is need to allow Imo State to complete her remaining 27days in office. The Imeobi, therefore, resolved as follows:
1. That it accepts the request by Imo delegates to nominate someone capable to oversee the leadership of Ohanaeze until 10th January 2025 when a new President-General will be elected based on the constitutional provision of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
2. That the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo shall be followed strictly in the election of the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
3. That the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide shall come from Rivers State as provided in the constitution.
4. The Imeobi also resolved that the composition of both Election and Screening Committees for the forthcoming Ohanaeze election is the function of the NEC
Flowing from Resolution No.1 and in line with the doctrine of necessity, the Imeobi adopted the nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu by Barrister C.J Ihemedu, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State; and HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman, Council of Elders, Imo State. The motion was seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo), amongst others. This motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote by the Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu as the new President-General of Ohanaeze at the Imeobi was subsequently presented to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide General Assembly. The State Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers States, expressed delight over the nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu as the new President-General until January 10, 2025. The Chairman of the South East Caucus in the National Assembly,
Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe expressed satisfaction over the emergence of Chukwu.
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu was therefore sworn-in as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide by National Legal Adviser, Barrister Joseph Obinamma Ojobu and the Assistant Legal Adviser Dr. Peter Aneke.
That the President-General of Ohanaeze, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and the National Executive Committee should compose the Electoral and Screening Committees on Sunday December 15, 2024.
The Southeast Governors’ Forum, represented by H.E Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, charged the new President-General to ensure that the forthcoming Ohanaeze election should be both transparent and credible.
E-Signed
Amb. Okey Emuchay, MFR
Secretary-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Rt. Hon. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Ph.D
National Publicity Secretary
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Profile Of New President
To address the leadership vacuum, the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J Ihemedu, invoked the doctrine of necessity, presenting Nze Ozichukwu as a candidate for the remaining days of the state’s tenure. His nomination was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo).
A Man of Distinction
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu is renowned for his intellectual rigor, strategic leadership, and integrity. His academic achievements include degrees from Templeton College, Oxford University; Harvard University; and Galilee College in Israel. He has also earned professional recognition as a Chartered Management Consultant and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC).
Professionally, Nze Ozichukwu has held several high-profile positions, including Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant
Bank Plc and Director at Inland Bank Plc. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic reforms as a founding member of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee for the Reorganization of River Basin Development Authorities.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nze Ozichukwu has made significant contributions to community development through initiatives such as the South East Development Initiative (SEDI) and the Cottage Industries Development Initiative (CIDI). His commitment to service has earned him both the Worthy Knighthood of St. Mulumba and the Papal Knighthood of Saint Sylvester.
A Promising Leadership Era
The announcement of Nze Ozichukwu’s presidency was met with widespread approval from Imeobi members and dignitaries, including notable figures such as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State (represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Prof. ABC Nwosu, and Chief Mike Okiro.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described the day as “phenomenal in Igbo history.” He praised the Igbo nation for their resilience and unity during the organization’s turbulent times, expressing confidence in Nze Ozichukwu’s ability to steer the ship of Ohanaeze toward stability and progress.
Expectations and Legacy
Imeobi members hailed Nze Ozichukwu as a leader of courage, integrity, and exceptional organizational ability. They expressed confidence in his commitment to preserving the ideals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and ensuring a seamless transition of leadership to the Rivers State chapter in January 2025.
Dr. Lucky Ekeji, President of the Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze, voiced his excitement about the historic milestone, while other members underscored Nze Ozichukwu’s moral uprightness and predictability in leadership.
A New Era for Ohanaeze Ndigbo
As Ohanaeze Ndigbo embarks on this new chapter under Nze Ozichukwu’s leadership, expectations are high for a revitalized organization committed to addressing the aspirations of Ndigbo worldwide. His vast experience and deep commitment to the Igbo cause signal a promising future for the apex socio-cultural body.