Mbah calls for unity as Okorocha donates secretariat to Ohanaeze

Mbah, Okorocha and others during the secretariat inspection

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, have called for unity among Ndigbo, stressing that the newly constructed Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Headquarters will serve as a vital rallying point for Igbo people both at home and in the diaspora.

Mbah made the call on Tuesday during a visit to inspect the multi-million naira ultra-modern edifice on Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu.

The project, fully funded by Okorocha through his foundation as a gift to the Igbo nation, is in its final stages of completion ahead of its formal handover in October.

Speaking after a tour of the facility – which features twin raked auditoriums, 11 offices, conference rooms, an interactive audio-visual library, and a subterranean creative art space –Mbah praised the initiative as a testament to what Ndigbo can accomplish through collective purpose.

“We are happy that a son of Igboland identified Enugu to do this, reminding us of where we started. Through his foundation, he has invested and built an edifice truly befitting of Ndigbo. At a time like this, we must come together to build our region,” Mbah said.

Okorocha explained that his decision to build the structure stemmed from a desire to give Ndigbo an institution whose physical structure matches the strength and global aspirations of its people.

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He said, “Ndigbo are a strong people, and my prayer has always been that our institutions become as strong as our people.

“I saw the former secretariat years ago and felt it was not befitting enough. This is not a display of wealth, but a heart of love for Ndigbo.”

The former Imo State governor noted that beyond hosting cultural gatherings and town union delegations, the new secretariat would actively serve as a global support system for Igbo citizens across the world.

“Whether in China, America, or Singapore, whenever an Igbo child is in trouble, this secretariat will intervene to ensure their rights are protected and dignity restored,” he added.

Addressing why the project was not undertaken while he was in office as governor, Okorocha noted that Ohanaeze is a cultural institution rather than a political one, making it best served through non-partisan, personal initiative.

The official handover to Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership and the Enugu State Government is scheduled for early October.