In a bold call to cultural revival, Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to take the lead in restoring the time-honoured moral values and cultural identity for which the Igbo people were once revered.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia State Chapter, led by their President, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, Governor Otti lamented the erosion of core values such as honesty, hard work, dignity, and respect for elders.
He stressed on the urgency of bringing back the “good old days” of moral uprightness in Igboland.
“The responsibility of all of us is to bring us back to those good old days,” Governor Otti declared. “Where people were, even in their poverty, still dignified. They were proud. Our people are not beggars. We are not thieves. Our people are known for hard work. All they need is an enabling environment to thrive.”
He decried the growing disconnect from cultural identity—citing how modern influences have distanced many Igbos from their language, customs, and moral compass—and warned that such cultural decay contributes to rising crime and insecurity.
Governor Otti encouraged Ohanaeze to roll out people-centered programmes that will inspire the collective ownership of the organization’s vision. He emphasized that sustainability should not depend on government patronage alone, urging the body to mobilize resources and support from within the Igbo community.
“If people buy into the projects you are executing and feel a sense of ownership, they will contribute,” he noted, referencing the success of the recent Abia Security Trust Fund which has so far raised ₦4.1 billion through public contributions.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that he would look into their requests and pledged personal support to help clear the group’s office rent.
Earlier, Ohanaeze Abia President, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, commended Governor Otti for making the Igbo language a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools across the state—an action he described as deeply aligned with the vision of Ohanaeze to preserve the Igbo heritage.
Dr. Okwuonu also revealed the organisation’s plan to establish structures in all Local Government Areas of the state before the end of the year and pledged to continue promoting truth, hard work, dignity in labour, and cultural awareness among young Igbos.
He thanked the Governor for his continued support, especially during the last Ohanaeze national election, and hailed his visionary leadership, which he said is already yielding tremendous results across the state.
