Former Senator John Azuta-Mbata has been elected as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization.
The election took place in Enugu on Friday during the group’s leadership transition, with Azuta-Mbata succeeding Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure recently ended.
Azuta-Mbata, who hails from Rivers State in South-South Nigeria, makes history as the first individual from the region to hold this prestigious position.
The election, conducted through voice voting, also saw the emergence of 15 other executives to steer the organization’s activities for the coming term.
The former senator, who represented the Rivers East constituency from 1999 to 2007, brings extensive political and administrative experience to his new role.
His leadership is expected to strengthen Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s influence and further its objectives of unity and development within the Igbo community.
The newly elected President-General faces the critical task of addressing the socio-political challenges facing Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora.
Azuta-Mbata’s tenure begins with high expectations for fostering inclusivity and promoting the Igbo agenda on both national and international stages.
Details on the swearing-in ceremony and his strategic plans for the organization are expected to emerge in the coming days.