The South-South Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has endorsed former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This support comes as Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu prepares to complete the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The Co-ordinator of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing, South-South zone, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, announced this during a press briefing in Owerri on Wednesday.
Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu’s tenure, which ends on January 10, 2025, began following his appointment to lead the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation after the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. This appointment was facilitated by the Imo Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Mr C. J. Ihemedu, who presented Chukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze. Chukwu was selected to complete the four-year tenure allotted to Imo State, which had been interrupted by the deaths of Prof. George Obiozor in 2022 and Iwuanyanwu in 2024.
Arthur-Ugwa explained that with the presidency of Ohanaeze now ceded to Rivers State, the South-South Youth Wing found it fitting to back Okiro, whom he described as “eminently qualified for the coveted position.”
“We, the Ohanaeze South-South youths, consider Okiro as a father figure, a mentor, leader and achiever whose leadership track records, charisma and love for the nation speak volumes,” he said.
Arthur-Ugwa further emphasised that after analysing Okiro’s achievements, the South-South youth wing viewed him as the ideal candidate for the role. “We, therefore, believe that given his vast experience, exposure and contacts, he possesses the capacity to fill the shoes left by our former leaders, if given the opportunity,” he added.
As Rivers State prepares to produce the next President-General, Arthur-Ugwa pledged the group’s full moral support for Okiro. “We pledge our moral support for Mike Okiro and promise to rally around him and purchase the nomination form,” he affirmed.
He also expressed gratitude to the leaders of Ohanaeze for their swift and unanimous decision to appoint Chukwu as the current leader. Arthur-Ugwa voiced optimism that Chukwu would foster unity within the organisation and ensure a seamless transition of power to the next administration.
