Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged Igbos to focus on unity, cooperation, and collective action to boost the development and prosperity of their people.
Mr Otti made this call on Tuesday in Umuahia during the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration, which was hosted by Abia. The theme for this year's event was “Njiko Ka” meaning Unity is supreme.
He stated that the future of Ndigbo lies in their ability to work together even when they disagree. He emphasized that unity does not mean everyone must share the same opinion.
The governor noted that the Igbo tradition allows people to have different views while still aiming for the common good.
“May I also emphasize that unity does not mean unanimity of opinion on every issue, but a consciousness that our individual desires cannot be superior to the aspirations of the majority,” he said.
“Agreed that it is fair to allow individuals to decide how they want to function; there is, however, no gain in plotting to undermine others just because you disagree with them.”
Mr Otti pointed out that even though people might not agree on many issues, including politics and economics, they must remember that none of them will be here forever.
He encouraged Ndigbo to replace conflict and bitterness with peace, understanding, and sincerity. He said the theme of the celebration reminded everyone of the sacrifices needed to create a better future.
The governor also asked people to look beyond their immediate political and economic interests. He urged them to consider how their choices will affect future generations.
He called for dialogue, consensus-building, and cooperation on development projects that can improve people's lives.
He highlighted education and passing down knowledge as crucial for Igbo progress. He mentioned practices such as “omugwo,” apprenticeship, and the community’s tradition of educating children.
Mr Otti stressed that education is key to preparing young people for global job opportunities. He pointed to Abia’s free and compulsory education policy as a positive step.
He challenged parents and community leaders to address issues like substance abuse, violence, and other social problems. He urged them to instill values of excellence, patience, knowledge, and resilience in the youth.
Earlier, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, spoke on the theme. He said it highlights the need for unity among Igbos in Nigeria and abroad.
Mr Azuta-Mbata noted that Ndigbo have significantly contributed to areas like commerce, industry, science, medicine, and technology.
He encouraged young people to see themselves as not just the future of Ndigbo but also as guardians of the present and builders of the future.
The Ohanaeze president-general urged them to protect and promote the collective heritage of the Igbo people. He praised Mr Otti for his dedication to improving the region and called him a true representative of the Igbo people.
The Chairman of the occasion, Ike Nwachukwu, explained that the celebration was a chance for Ndigbo to reflect on their history and their duties to both current and future generations.
Mr Nwachukwu, a former senator for Abia North District, said that the Igbo people have a shared responsibility to build a united and prosperous society for future generations.
He described “Njiko Ka” as a reminder that people can achieve more when they work together for a common goal.
The chairman also recognized the efforts of notable Igbo individuals, both living and deceased, whose successes have brought pride to the ethnic group.
The celebration included presentations from group members, who visited selected projects completed by the Otti administration across Abia’s three senatorial districts.
The events also featured an interdenominational church service and laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph to honor distinguished Igbo heroes and heroines.
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