Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called for greater unity, strategic engagement and investment in youth development as Ndigbo gathered in Umuahia for the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration.
The celebration, hosted by the Abia State Government in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was held under the theme “Njiko Ka”, meaning “Togetherness is Best,” with Igbo leaders, governors, delegates and socio-cultural organisations participating in activities marking the occasion.
Delivering an address titled “Ndigbo, History and the Dreams of Tomorrow,” Governor Otti highlighted the resilience, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people, noting their strong connection to their ancestral roots despite their presence in different parts of Nigeria and the world.
Otti commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by President-General Senator John Azuta-Mbata, for sustaining the annual celebration as a platform for promoting Igbo identity, unity and collective development.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, the governor said the traditional Igbo republican spirit should not be mistaken for individualism at the expense of collective interests.
He argued that the pursuit of individual interests without regard for the common good must give way to greater strategic consensus and cooperation among Ndigbo.
“Our progress will be stalled if we do not come together as a people united by a common heritage and driven by the hunger to leave a better community for our children,” Otti said.
He added that unity does not necessarily mean agreement on every issue, but requires a shared understanding that individual interests should not override the aspirations of the wider community.
The governor also highlighted the Igbo Charter for Strategic Engagement for National Development, which was developed by a committee chaired by former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu.
Otti commended Moghalu for his contribution to the development of the framework, expressing the expectation that it would provide a clearer basis for advancing the political and economic interests of Ndigbo. The charter has been presented as a strategic framework for articulating Igbo development priorities and engagement with the wider Nigerian society and global community.
Beyond political and economic issues, Otti drew attention to cultural and social institutions that have historically contributed to the development of Igbo society.
He identified the tradition of Omugwo, the Igbo apprenticeship system and the community’s longstanding emphasis on education as important values that should be preserved and strengthened.
The governor further urged Igbo leaders, parents and other stakeholders to pay greater attention to the welfare and future of young people, particularly in the face of growing concerns over substance abuse.
He called for collective action to address social vices affecting young people and encouraged a renewed commitment to values such as moderation, patience, discipline and academic excellence.
The 2026 World Igbo Day celebration provided a platform for cultural activities, leadership engagement and discussions on the future development of Ala-Igbo, with the “Njiko Ka” message placing unity and collective responsibility at the centre of the gathering.
