Hon. Okechukwu Nwabunike Umeh emerged as the newly inaugurated President of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, during a ceremony held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The event which took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, also marked the inauguration of new Executive Council, including key members such as Evangelist Ijeoma Uchendu as Woman Leader, Chima Onah as Youth Leader, Peter Orji as Treasurer, and Charles Obasi as Public Relations Officer, among others.

In his inaugural speech, Hon. Okechukwu reflected on the rich heritage and achievements of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressing gratitude for the dedication of past leaders. He acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by the community, such as fragmentation and communication gaps, emphasizing the urgent need for unity. "Our organization has been a beacon of hope, advocating for the rights and welfare of our people," he stated. "Yet, I recognize that challenges still persist. We must build on the solid foundation laid by my predecessors."

Hon. Okechukwu articulated his vision for the organization, stating, "We must prioritize a united Nigeria, empowering our women and youth, utilizing a robust data-driven platform to understand our community's needs, and creating a continuous dialogue between Ohanaeze Ndigbo and our host community to build trust and cooperation."

The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, served as the special guest of honor at the event. He told journalists on the sidelines of the ceremony, "The coming together of the Igbo community in Oyo State has taken us a while, but we thank God that we are able to inaugurate Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State." He noted that all ethnic groups and indigenous people of the state are important to the government, adding, "Today is the day for the Igbos. That is why we are talking about the Igbos. For other ceremonies involving different ethnic groups, you will also see representation from the Oyo State Government, ensuring that there is unity amongst those groups as well."

Ogundoyin affirmed the government’s commitment to working with everyone who fosters development in Oyo State, a state that welcomes all. "We also call on more people from outside who can bring value to Oyo State to come," he added.

Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chisco Group of Companies, emphasized the need for unity among the Igbo community in his address. He advised the new president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo: "The most important thing is to organize the Igbos and recognize the interests of Ndigbo, especially fostering peace. It is only through peace that we can achieve our collective goals."

In an exclusive interview, Chief Emeka Okoli, the Ogbuefi Nzeako Na Obi and Chairman of the inauguration ceremony, stated, "For 44 years that I have been in Ibadan, this is the first time something like this is happening. The Igbos have been in disorder and scattered, but at this auspicious time, they have come together to speak with one voice. This occasion is significant and represents a landmark in Oyo State." He noted that the new executive's inauguration brings renewed hope for unity, cultural preservation, and political engagement for Ndigbo in the state, emphasizing their essential role as a major economic and social force.

"The new president-general possesses the qualities needed to lead the team. I hope he and the new executives will rally the Igbos to foster a strong sense of belonging. Governor Seyi Makinde has done a lot to bring the Igbos together," Okoli added.

Hon. Okechukwu Umeh, the newly inaugurated president, explained that the election for the new executive was conducted on December 14, 2024. He promised that the new leadership would ensure unity both among the Ndigbo and with other ethnic groups in the state. "I urge my people to embrace love. Love will always give rise to peace, and where there is peace, there is progress," Umeh stated. "Let us shed our grievances and come together as brothers to move forward in Oyo State."

Hon. Tallest Innocent Nwosu, Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Community Relations, described the occasion as "a new dawn for Igbos in Oyo State. Today we are one. We are here to support the president and contribute our ideas to achieve the goal of keeping the Igbos as one big family. I have confidence that he will achieve this vision. I advise him to remain focused and fulfill the promises outlined in his manifesto."

Evangelist Ijeoma Uchendu, the newly elected Woman Leader, expressed her enthusiasm for her role, stating, "Today’s event has been long anticipated, and history has been made. It is a great privilege to be elected as Woman Leader, and I won’t disappoint the trust placed in me. I plan to begin with initiatives focused on empowering women, offering skill acquisition programs, and educating them about their identity and potential."

Aja Promise Chinedu, the newly elected General Secretary, also shared his excitement, saying, "We have long awaited this day. I am thrilled to be inaugurated as the General Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Oyo State Chapter. I pledge my full support to the progress, welfare, and well-being of all Ndigbo in Oyo State. Together with the president and other executives, we will work to ensure we have one strong voice, reshaping the perception of Igbos in the state for the better."

He added, "We are here to serve, not to take advantage. Our aim is to uplift our community and ensure that every Igbo man and woman in Oyo State is well represented and that their interests are protected."

The event was further enriched by vibrant cultural dance performances, showcasing the rich heritage of the Ndigbo people. Attendance included various dignitaries, such as Chief (Dr.) Chidi Anyaegbu; Ogbuefi Emeka Okoli; Eze (Dr.) James Nduka Oramadike, the Eze Ndigbo of Yoruba land; Hon. Tallest Innocent Nwosu; Engr. Ndubuisi Okoli, the Immediate Past President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State Chapter; Prof. MC Asuzu; High Chief Aloy Obi, respected Elder Stateman; Engr. Kenneth Nwodoka, Chairman Amichi Develoment Union, Lagos Branch; Evang. Emeka Oguchi; Chief Okonkwo Isaac Kinze, Chief Dom Nwobi; Chief Emeka Anyaegbu; Chief Daniel Okoye; Barrister Wale Oluwusi; Sir. Ben Oyeka; Bro. Charles Okeke; Eziama development Union, Lagos Branch; Amichi Development Union, Lagos Branch; and a host of community members, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

As Hon. Umeh Okechukwu N. and his executive committee embark on their new roles, the community anticipates a future characterized by unity, empowerment, and collaborative progress. The inauguration not only represents the start of a new leadership era but also signifies a renewed commitment to the welfare and advancement of the Ndigbo people in Oyo State and beyond.