Otti calls for unity and collective action at World Igbo Day celebration

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called on Igbo people to strengthen unity, cooperation and collective action in order to promote development and prosperity. Otti spoke in Umuahia on Tuesday at the 2026 World Igbo Day celebration hosted by Abia. The event was held under the theme “Njiko Ka”, translated as “Unity is supreme”.

The governor said unity did not require everyone to hold the same opinion. He argued that people could maintain different political and economic views while working towards the common good. Otti urged people to avoid undermining others because of disagreements and to consider the effect of present decisions on future generations.

He advocated dialogue, consensus-building and cooperation on initiatives intended to improve people’s welfare. He identified education and the transfer of knowledge between generations as important to Igbo development. He cited practices including omugwo and apprenticeship, as well as the tradition of educating children, and referred to Abia’s free and compulsory education policy.

The governor also charged parents and community leaders to address substance abuse, violence and other social problems while encouraging young people to develop excellence, patience, knowledge and resilience. John Azuta-Mbata, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said the theme highlighted the need for unity among Igbo people in Nigeria and the diaspora. He urged young people to preserve and advance their collective heritage.

Ike Nwachukwu, a former senator for Abia North and chairman of the occasion, said the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the community’s responsibilities to present and future generations. The programme included project visits, an interdenominational service and wreath-laying at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph.