UNIEC COMMENDS OHA-NA-EZE–OTU OKA-IWU PARTNERSHIP, EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN SENATOR AZUTA-MBATA Professional Unity • Legal Advocacy • Igbo Development

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

ELDERLY COMMENDATION ON OHA-NA-EZE NDIGBO–OTU OKA-IWU PARTNERSHIP AND CONFIDENCE IN SENATOR AZUTA-MBATA

PROFESSIONAL UNITY • LEGAL ADVOCACY • IGBO DEVELOPMENT

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity Advancing Humanity • Empowering Generations • Building a Greater Igbo Society

The Supreme Elderly Council of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has received with profound appreciation the reported initiative by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to establish a strategic development partnership with Otu Oka-Iwu, the professional association of Igbo lawyers.

UNIEC considers this development highly commendable and timely. The reported partnership seeks to bring professional legal expertise to bear on issues affecting Ndigbo, including legal advocacy, protection of Igbo-owned businesses and investments, human rights, constitutional reform, legislative engagement and access to justice.

The Supreme Elderly Council particularly welcomes the willingness of the legal profession to contribute its expertise towards protecting legitimate economic activities and addressing issues such as discriminatory practices, arbitrary levies, demolitions and other actions capable of undermining lawful investments and the welfare of Ndigbo.

COMMENDATION FOR SENATOR AZUTA-MBATA

UNIEC Worldwide also commends the Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for the confidence reportedly reposed in the leadership of His Excellency, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The Council views such confidence as both an honour and a responsibility. Leadership confidence should translate into greater accountability, measurable achievements, institutional unity and service to Ndigbo.

The reported engagement demonstrates an important principle: no single profession, institution or group can address the complex challenges confronting Ndigbo alone. Lawyers, academics, entrepreneurs, traditional institutions, professionals, youths, women and the diaspora must all contribute their knowledge and experience.

Senator Azuta-Mbata's reported recognition of the importance of professional collaboration is therefore welcomed by UNIEC as a positive approach to strengthening Ohanaeze's capacity to serve Ndigbo.

THE ELDERLY COUNSEL

As elders, we remind all stakeholders:

«“When knowledge joins hands with experience, the community gains a stronger foundation for tomorrow.”»

UNIEC respectfully recommends that the emerging partnership be developed into a structured and sustainable professional framework, with clear areas of responsibility, measurable objectives and periodic evaluation.

The Council further encourages collaboration in:

• protection of Igbo businesses and investments;
• constitutional and legislative advocacy;
• human-rights protection and access to justice;
• professional mentorship for young lawyers;
• policy research and development;
• strategic legal intervention on matters affecting Ndigbo; and
• constructive engagement with government and relevant institutions.

The reported apprenticeship and mentorship initiative for young lawyers is particularly commendable because the future of Igbo leadership depends upon deliberately preparing competent younger generations.

BUILDING ONE STRONGER OHA-NA-EZE

UNIEC believes that professional partnerships such as this can help move Ohanaeze beyond traditional advocacy into stronger research, policy development, legal protection and institutional capacity-building.

The Supreme Elderly Council therefore encourages the leadership of Ohanaeze and Otu Oka-Iwu to sustain this cooperation with professionalism, independence, transparency and mutual respect.

As elders say:

«“A house is strengthened when every pillar carries its rightful share of the roof.”»

UNIEC Worldwide commends the initiative and encourages all professionals and institutions to support constructive partnerships that promote justice, development, unity and the legitimate interests of Ndigbo within a united and prosperous Nigeria.

ONE PEOPLE. ONE HERITAGE. MANY VOICES. ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven