Senator John Azuta-Mbata has been elected as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The election took place on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
Sen. Azuta-Mbata, who represented the Rivers East constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was chosen by delegates in the presence of prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders. Among those in attendance were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Charles Soludo (Anambra), as well as Chris Ngige, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, and Sen. Victor Umeh.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization had zoned the position of its President-General to Rivers State following the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
In his acceptance speech, Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support, promising to work towards uniting the Ndigbo and addressing pressing issues.
Additionally, Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected as the National Deputy President, while Chief Emeka Sibeidu from Anambra State was elected as the new Secretary-General of the Igbo group. Azuta-Mbata will succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, who was appointed to complete the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
This election marks a pivotal moment for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with strong backing from South-East governors who have committed to supporting the organization for regional development and growth.
List of newly elected Ohanaeze leadership
- President General: Senator John Azuta Mbata (Rivers State)
- Deputy President General: Okey Nwadinobi (Abia State)
- Secretary General: Engr Emeka Sibeudu (Anambra State)
- Deputy Secretary General: Dan Okenyi (Delta State)
- Vice President General: Omeife Omeife Jideofor (Anambra State)
- Vice President General: Chief John Duru (Imo State)
- Vice President General: Dr. Ngozi Oleiime (Delta State)
- Vice President General: Dr. Peter Mbam (Ebonyi State)
- Vice President General: Prof. Fred Eze (Enugu State)
- National Treasurer: Dr. Peter Chidera Aneke (Enugu State)
- Assistant National Treasurer: Nnanna Nwakwo (Rivers State)
- National Financial Secretary: Charles Kalu Nkata (Abia State)
- Assistant National Financial Secretary: Jane Nwanga (Ebonyi State)
- National Public Secretary: Dr. Ezechukwu Ezechi (Imo State)
- Assistant National Publicity Secretary: Bismarck Orji (Enugu State)
- National Legal Adviser: Barr Okeagu Ogada (Ebonyi State)
- Assistant National Legal Adviser:Barr Chizoba Iheka (Imo State
