Mbah and Okorocha urge Igbo unity as new Ohanaeze headquarters nears handover

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha have called for unity among Ndigbo as the new Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Headquarters in Enugu approaches completion. Mbah made the appeal on Tuesday while inspecting the multi-million-naira building on Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu. The facility was funded by Okorocha through his foundation as a gift to the Igbo nation.

The project is in its final stages and is expected to be formally handed over in October. The source material did not give a specific date for the ceremony, but said the handover would involve the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership and the Enugu State Government. The building includes twin raked auditoriums, 11 offices, conference rooms, an interactive audio-visual library and a subterranean creative art space.

Mbah described the development as evidence of what Ndigbo could achieve through a shared purpose. He said the headquarters should serve as a rallying point for Igbo people in Nigeria and the diaspora. Mbah praised Okorocha for choosing Enugu and said the region should use the initiative as an opportunity to work together.

Okorocha said he had built the structure because he wanted Ndigbo to have an institution whose physical appearance reflected the strength and global aspirations of the people. He said the former secretariat had not been sufficiently fitting. The former governor said the building was intended not merely for cultural gatherings and town union meetings, but also as a support institution for Igbo citizens abroad.

He said it should help protect their rights and dignity when they encountered difficulties. Okorocha added that he chose to undertake the project privately because Ohanaeze was a cultural rather than political institution. He said the initiative was motivated by affection for Ndigbo rather than a display of wealth.