Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for the transformation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urging the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation to embrace young people, technology and innovation as it marks its 50th anniversary.
Otti said the organisation must evolve beyond preserving the past and position itself to meet the aspirations of future generations of Ndigbo.
The governor made the call in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday while reflecting on his keynote address at the public presentation of Ohanaeze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance: A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution, written by Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma.
The event, held in Ikeja, Lagos, attracted eminent Igbo leaders, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests. Otti delivered a lecture titled, “Ohanaeze at 50: A Book That Holds Up the Mirror.”
According to the governor, the 602-page publication goes beyond documenting the history of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by critically examining its leadership, achievements, challenges and continued relevance.
> “At 50, Ohanaeze Ndigbo deserves celebration, but also honest reflection. This 602-page work goes beyond recounting the organisation’s history. It examines its leadership, achievements, challenges and continuing relevance.”
Quoting American comedian Phyllis Diller, Otti added:
> “Maybe it’s true that life begins at fifty. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.”
He said the book challenges Ndigbo to look beyond history and focus on building a stronger future for the organisation.
> “The book therefore challenges us to look beyond history and ask what Ohanaeze has become, what it should be, and what it must do to remain relevant to generations of Ndigbo yet unborn.”
Otti stressed that preserving Igbo culture and heritage alone would not guarantee the organisation’s future relevance.
> “It reminds us that while heritage provides a foundation, relevance must be earned continuously. The future of Ndigbo requires institutions that embrace young people, technology, innovation and the global Igbo community, while translating our rich cultural identity into greater economic, intellectual and political strength.”
The governor commended the author for documenting the evolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and described the book as an important contribution to discussions on the identity, unity and future of the Igbo people.
According to him:
> “Ohanaeze at 50 is not merely a record of history, it is an invitation to reflect on where we are and where we should be headed.”
He also quoted former Major League Baseball player Chili Davis, saying:
> “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”
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