Renowned activist and lawyer, Dim Uche Nnam Okwukwu, has been elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide during the organization’s convention held in Port Harcourt.
Henzodaily reports that the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide declared Okwukwu the new leader after he emerged unopposed.
According to the returning officer, Achi Achi, the election, which began on Thursday and concluded on Friday, was conducted by the progressive movement in Igboland.
Expressing gratitude to the national delegates who participated, Achi stated that Okwukwu was chosen for his proven commitment to defending Igbo interests and upholding the organization’s constitution.
In his acceptance speech, Okwukwu pledged to serve the Igbo community diligently, acknowledging the significant responsibility placed upon him at this pivotal time in history.
His priorities include advocating for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and pursuing the restructuring of Nigeria.
He also emphasized his commitment to fostering unity among the Igbo, describing his vision of an “indivisible family.”
Okwukwu vowed to engage federal and state governments, business leaders, politicians, youths, and intellectuals to address the challenges facing the Igbo people.
The new President General announced plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to push for the release of political prisoners, decriminalize political exiles, and initiate dialogue to resolve grievances with agitators.
“We shall encourage the federal and state governments to engage all agitators to address grievances so as to bring a just closure to issues,” Okwukwu said.
Okwukwu further outlined his vision for economic development, including the dredging and modernization of ports in the East, such as Igweocha/Port Harcourt, and creating industrial hubs to enhance trade and development across Igboland and beyond.
He also pledged to advocate for the creation of Anioma State and additional states for the Igbo region to ensure balanced representation.
On restructuring, Okwukwu promised to mobilize the Igbo people and work with stakeholders to present a comprehensive agenda.
“I will work hand in hand with critical Igbo stakeholders to advance the unity of the Igbo nation, and ensure that Igbo communities in Benue, Edo etc, are fully incorporated into the Ohanaeze family memberships, modernize the Igbo language as one of the major languages of global commerce, culture, science and technology,” he said.
In his speech, he emphasized the need to modernize the Igbo language as a tool for global commerce and innovation. He also committed to ensuring that Igbo communities in regions like Benue and Edo are fully integrated into the Ohanaeze family.
Okwukwu emerged as the consensus candidate after being identified as the only independent contender among several aspirants.
Delegates from the South-East, the Diaspora, and over 200 cultural organizations participated in the convention, underscoring the broad support for his leadership.