Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to reinvent itself by embracing young people, technology and innovation as it marks its 50th anniversary, saying the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation must remain relevant to future generations.
Otti made the call in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday while reflecting on his address at the public presentation of _“Ohanaeze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance: A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution_,” a book written by Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma.
The governor said he joined eminent Igbo leaders, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests at the event held in Ikeja, Lagos, where he delivered a speech titled “Ohanaeze at 50: A Book That Holds Up the Mirror.”
According to Otti, the book is more than a historical account of the organisation, as it critically examines its leadership, achievements, challenges and continued relevance.
He wrote, “At 50, Ohanaeze Ndigbo deserves celebration, but also honest reflection. This 602-page work goes beyond recounting the organisation’s history. It examines its leadership, achievements, challenges and continuing relevance.”
Quoting American comedian Phyllis Diller, the governor added, “Maybe it’s true that life begins at fifty. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.”
Otti said the publication encourages Ndigbo to look beyond the past and focus on building a stronger future.
He stated, “The book therefore challenges us to look beyond history and ask what Ohanaeze has become, what it should be, and what it must do to remain relevant to generations of Ndigbo yet unborn.”
The governor stressed that preserving Igbo heritage alone is not enough, insisting that the organisation must adapt to changing realities.
He said, “It reminds us that while heritage provides a foundation, relevance must be earned continuously. The future of Ndigbo requires institutions that embrace young people, technology, innovation and the global Igbo community, while translating our rich cultural identity into greater economic, intellectual and political strength.”
Otti commended the author for documenting the journey of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and recommended the book to readers interested in the history, identity, unity and future of the Igbo people.
According to him, “Ohanaeze at 50 is not merely a record of history, it is an invitation to reflect on where we are and where we should be headed.”
He also quoted former Major League Baseball player Chili Davis, saying, “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”
The governor expressed hope that the golden jubilee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo would spark fresh conversations on strengthening the organisation and positioning it to meet the aspirations of future generations.
Founded in 1976, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex socio-cultural organisation representing the interests of the Igbo people in Nigeria and the diaspora. The body has played a leading role in promoting Igbo unity, culture, development and advocacy on national issues over the past five decades.
