Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has called on Igbos to deepen unity, cooperation and collective action to accelerate the development and prosperity of the people.
He, however, called for the moderation of the people’s republican culture.
Otti made the call on Tuesday in Umuahia while speaking at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration hosted by Abia, with the theme, “Njiko Ka” (Unity is supreme)
He said that the future of “Ndigbo” depended on their ability to work together in spite of differences in opinion, stressing that unity did not necessarily mean unanimity.
The governor said that the republican tradition of the Igbo allowed individuals to hold divergent views while working towards the common good.
“May I also emphasise 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.
“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.
“Yes, we may actually not be on the same page on a number of issues, including political and economic concerns, but we have to appreciate that none of us will be here forever,” he said.
Otti urged “Ndigbo” to replace discord and acrimony with peace, understanding and sincerity, saying the theme was a reminder of the sacrifices required to build a stronger future.
He also urged the people to look beyond immediate political and economic interests and consider the consequences of their decisions for future generations.
The governor advocated dialogue, consensus-building and cooperation on development initiatives capable of improving the wellbeing of the people.
He identified education and intergenerational transfer of knowledge as important elements of Igbo development, citing “omugwo”, apprenticeship and the community’s tradition of educating children.
Otti said that education remained critical to preparing young people for opportunities in the global economy, citing Abia’s free and compulsory education policy.
He also charged parents and community leaders to confront substance abuse, violence and other social vices while inculcating excellence, patience, knowledge and resilience in youths.
Earlier, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, said the theme underscored the need for unity among Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora.
Azuta-Mbata said “Ndigbo” had made significant contributions to commerce, industry, science, medicine, academia, technology and other fields of endeavour.
He urged young people to recognise themselves not only as the future of Ndigbo but also as custodians of the present and architects of the future.
The President-General charged them to preserve and advance the collective heritage of the Igbo people.
He commended Otti for his commitment to the advancement of the region and described him as a true ambassador of the Igbo people.
The Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, said that the celebration provided an opportunity for “Ndigbo” to reflect on their journey and responsibilities to present and future generations.
Nwachukwu said the Igbo people had a collective responsibility to build a stronger, united and prosperous society capable of bequeathing a better inheritance to generations yet unborn.
He described “Njiko Ka” as a reminder that greater achievements could be recorded when people worked together towards a common purpose.
The chairman also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Igbo sons and daughters, living and deceased, whose achievements had brought honour to the people.
The celebration featured presentations by members of the organisation, who toured selected projects executed by the Otti-led administration across the three senatorial zones of Abia.
The activities also included an interdenominational church service and laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in honour of distinguished Igbo heroes and heroines.
