Governor Alex Otti has advised the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, to engage in ventures that protect the interest of Igboland.

He gave the advice in Umuahia on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new executive of the state chapter of the organisation.

Mr Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu, said it was important for the group to “articulate the Igbo interest at all times.”

He described their emergence as leaders of the body as a big responsibility on their shoulders because they would represent the interests of many people.

He, therefore, charged them to dedicate themselves to the service of the Igbo people.

The governor also urged the new leadership to desist from pursuing personal interests and focus on speaking for the Igbo wherever they find themselves.

He commended the committee from the national secretariat of the organisation for doing a good job and congratulated the new officials on their emergence.

Earlier, Sunday Onuoha, the leader of the national committee for the election, said a new executive for Abia was long due after the tenure of the old executive elapsed.

Mr Onuoha said that the new leadership would represent the state at the January 10 election of a new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The outgoing state President of the organisation, Okey Paul, said the most important thing about being a leader was to render selfless service to the Igbo people.

Mr Paul also urged the new officials to put Abia‘s interest first.

The new state president, Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, said, under his watch, the organisation would protect the “igwe bu ike” (unity is strength) slogan of the group.

Mr Okwuonu promised to represent Abia well and ensure the group recorded numerous achievements during his administration.

The new state officers include the deputy president, Chika Ibeku, first vice-president, Nnenna Orieji, state secretary, Innocent Adiele, publicity secretary, Godwin Adindu, and assistant publicity secretary, Obinna Ibe, among others.

(NAN)