In an effort to address the divisions that arose following the recent Ohanaeze Ndigbo election, the apex Igbo socio-political organisation has set up a peace and reconciliation committee. This committee is tasked with examining a wide range of issues related to existing crises within Ohanaeze Ndigbo at various levels.
During a press briefing after their inaugural National Executive Council Meeting, chaired by Senator Azuta Mbata in Enugu on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, announced that the committee will be led by former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, whose experience is expected to be pivotal in resolving ongoing disputes.
Dr Ezechi further revealed that the NEC has established a “professorial endowment chair” in all states where Igbos reside in Nigeria.
“This committee will concentrate on the research and development of Igbo language, culture, history, and traditions,” he stated, noting that “seed funding has been approved for this initiative.”
He stressed the importance of the professorial endowment chair, which will be overseen by the Deputy National Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Okey Nwadinobi. The Mbata-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognises the urgent need for Igbos to take control of their narratives.
“If we fail to establish a robust system to promote our culture and traditions, particularly our language, it risks extinction. When our language disappears, so too does our worldview, thought patterns, belief systems, and the essence of our identity as Igbos.”
“This committee will engage in thorough research on Igbo history, language, and culture. The outputs from this professorial endowment chair will lead to extensive and periodic publications based on their research findings, which will bolster scholarship and provide a solid academic foundation for our efforts to enhance and solidify our identity as Ndigbo.”
He noted that the committee will collaborate with Igbo language scholars and academics from various institutions to further the study and preservation of the language.
Mr Ezechi highlighted that the council, after adopting the handover notes from the immediate past President-General, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, also approved several additional committees to assist President-General Senator Azuta Mbata in delivering effective and results-oriented leadership for the organisation.
