The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has called for renewed discipline, unity, and responsible living among the people of Ohafia at the 2026 Ohafia Reorientation Summit held in Elu Ohafia.
Speaking on the theme, “Reawakening the Ohafia Spirit,” Emetu stressed the need to restore the community’s core values of courage, honour, and integrity. He expressed concern over rising cases of drug abuse, cultism, and vandalism, urging youths to shun destructive behaviours and embrace education, entrepreneurship, and community service.
He noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is not only focused on infrastructure but also on reshaping the mindset of Abians to align with ongoing developmental reforms.
“Infrastructure alone cannot transform society without a corresponding change in mindset,” he said, commending the organisers for promoting moral and cultural renewal.
Emetu also reiterated the importance of voter registration, urging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to enable them participate actively in electing credible leaders.
Earlier, Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Kalu Ikpemiri, called on residents to return to their cultural roots and ethical standards. He described Ohafia as a land of proud warriors and custodians of tradition, warning against social vices that threaten the community’s identity.
In her presentation, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Mrs. Urenna Abazie, highlighted the values of courage, discipline, integrity, and communal responsibility. She cautioned against moral decline among youths, including the quest for quick wealth and excessive social media influence, and urged families and institutions to strengthen mentorship and value-based education.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Hon. Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, emphasised the need to protect public infrastructure, describing roads, power installations, water facilities, schools, and hospitals as critical community assets.
Other sessions featured a lecture by Commander O. C. Chigbu titled “Get High on Dreams, Not Drugs,” focusing on substance abuse prevention, while Mr. Emeka Mannic led discussions on HIV/AIDS awareness. Additional presentations addressed agriculture, anti-cultism initiatives, and strategies for reviving the Ohafia spirit.
The summit ended with participants taking a collective pledge to uphold cultural values, empower youths, and promote sustainable development in line with the state government’s reform agenda. Traditional rulers, professional groups, community stakeholders, and senior government officials attended the event.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
Febuary -2026
