The Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Enugu State Chapter, has inaugurated a new executive council for its Awgu Local Government Area chapter in a landmark ceremony marked by a strong call for unity, cultural preservation, and accelerated grassroots development.

The historic event, held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Sullivan Chime Auditorium, Awgu Council Headquarters, attracted state executives, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders from across the council area.

Leading the state delegation was the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Enugu State Chapter, High Chief Uche Damian Obisi (Agbalanze), alongside the Vice President, High Chief Amobi Edeh (Agubata), and the Secretary, Rt. Hon. Bonaventure Onuh, among other executive members.

The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Nze Emmanuel N. Orji, setting a solemn and reflective tone ahead of the formal swearing-in of the newly elected Awgu LGA executives.

A Call to Service and Unity

In his keynote address, High Chief Obisi described the inauguration as more than a routine leadership transition, calling it “a call to service” rooted in the enduring vision of Ohanaeze.

He charged the new leadership to remain steadfast in promoting Igbo unity, safeguarding cultural heritage, and advocating socio-economic advancement at the grassroots.

“This is a call to service. You must work collectively to strengthen the presence of Ohanaeze in Awgu and contribute meaningfully to community development,” he emphasized.

He noted that grassroots mobilization remains central to the broader mission of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in fostering cohesion and progress among the Igbo people.

Council Chairman, Community Leaders Inducted as Patrons

In a strategic move to deepen institutional synergy, the organization also inaugurated key stakeholders as patrons, including the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, the CEO of Villa Toscana Hotel, High Chief Frank Obasi (Ozuo-Ome Na Awgu), Chief Augustine Ezenwaka, Traditional Prime Minister of Ekpulambo Mgbowo, and Chief Godwin Okolo (Ozuo-Omee I of Ntegbenese).

Their induction was described as a deliberate step toward fostering collaboration between Ohanaeze, traditional institutions, and the local government administration.

Accepting the role of patron, Hon. Okolo applauded the administration of Peter Mbah for what he termed radical infrastructural transformation and purposeful governance across Enugu State.

According to him, Governor Mbah’s leadership has positioned Enugu as a destination for investors and a model of inclusive governance.

“Governor Mbah is steadily delivering the Enugu of our dreams. Today, Enugu State has become a haven for investors. The enabling environment provided by the state government is what we at the grassroots are complementing through community-driven development initiatives,” Okolo stated.

He assured the organization of his unwavering support and partnership, pledging alignment with the state government’s grassroots-inclusive development agenda.

The New Awgu LGA Executive

The newly sworn-in executive members include:
• Nze Emmanuel N. Orji – Chairman
• Chief Emma Onovo – Vice Chairman
• Chief Humphrey Madu – Secretary
• Chief Mrs. Onyia Chizoba Cynthia – Women Leader
• Chief Engr. Nnanna Patrick Nwanochie – Youth Leader

Other inaugurated members are Chief Ezeokeafor David, Chief Okonkwo Peter Maduka, Chief Ani Sunday Marcellus, Chief Emmanuel C. Ibe, Chief Okonkwo Camilus Chigozie, Chief Mmeh Charles Nnaemeka, Chief Okoh Obiora Lawrence, Chief Mbah Paulinus, Chief Okafor Obajulu, and Chief Nicodemus Nweke.

Renewed Hope for Grassroots Renaissance

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the new leadership would reposition the Awgu chapter of Ohanaeze as a vibrant platform for community engagement, conflict resolution, youth empowerment, and cultural renaissance.

In his acceptance remarks, Chairman Nze Emmanuel N. Orji pledged on behalf of the executive council to advance the collective interests of the Igbo people within Awgu and beyond, promising inclusive leadership anchored on unity and development.

The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and a renewed commitment by members to uphold the values of solidarity, progress, and cultural pride.

With the inauguration of the Awgu chapter executives and patrons, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Enugu State has once again reinforced its grassroots foundation—signaling a renewed drive toward unity, structured collaboration, and sustainable development across communities.

As reported by Hon. Tochukwu Chukwu
Special Adviser, General Media and Publicity to the Awgu Local Government Chairman