UNIEC COMMENDS OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE 🇳🇬 UNIEC commends Ohanaeze for its leadership retreat and 200 Igbo Language bursaries—a vital investment in our language, heritage and future. Preserve Igbo. Educate our child

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

ELDERLY SUPREME COUNCIL'S COMMENDATION ON THE OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE RETREAT, LEADERSHIP AND IGBO LANGUAGE BURSARY INITIATIVE

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

The Elderly Supreme Council of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note with profound appreciation of the reported resolutions of the Expanded Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide at its retreat held on 19 August 2026 at the National Secretariat in Enugu.

UNIEC Worldwide particularly commends the Council for its reported unanimous vote of confidence in the President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, and for recognising efforts directed towards strengthening the administration, coordination and effectiveness of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR NDIGBO

As elders, we believe that responsible leadership deserves constructive acknowledgement when measurable progress and institutional development are demonstrated.

The reported retreat is therefore commendable because it provides an opportunity for leadership to review achievements, identify weaknesses, improve coordination and establish a stronger foundation for the future.

UNIEC encourages Senator Azuta Mbata and the Expanded Global Executive Council to continue pursuing leadership that is inclusive, transparent, accountable, consultative and development-oriented.

As our elders teach:

“When the people recognise good work, the wise leader does not become proud; he becomes more responsible.”

COMMENDATION FOR THE 200 IGBO LANGUAGE BURSARIES

UNIEC Worldwide especially commends the reported approval of academic bursaries for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The Elderly Supreme Council considers this initiative particularly significant because language is not merely a means of communication; it is a principal vessel of identity, history, culture, values, collective memory and intergenerational continuity.

At a time when the preservation and transmission of indigenous Nigerian languages require deliberate institutional action, supporting students who have chosen to study Igbo Language represents an investment in the future of Ndigbo.

UNIEC also welcomes the reported connection between the bursary initiative and the existing Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professorial Endowment Chair, recognising the combination of student support and higher-level academic research as a potentially valuable strategy for sustaining Igbo scholarship.

ELDERLY RECOMMENDATIONS

While commending the initiative, UNIEC respectfully recommends that Ohanaeze consider establishing a transparent and sustainable framework for the bursary programme, including:

1. Clear eligibility criteria for beneficiaries across the geopolitical zones.

2. Transparent selection procedures involving recognised academic institutions.

3. Annual continuation and expansion of the programme where resources permit.

4. Creation of an Igbo Language Education and Scholarship Fund to attract individuals, institutions and corporate partners.

5. Support for research, publications, digital learning and technological development of Igbo Language.

6. Greater collaboration with universities, colleges of education, cultural institutions and relevant government agencies.

7. Consideration of postgraduate scholarships and fellowships to produce future Igbo linguists, researchers, lecturers and cultural scholars.

The Council further recommends that bursary beneficiaries become part of a wider Igbo Language Ambassadors Programme, encouraging them to promote the learning, teaching and use of Igbo among younger generations.

ON INSTITUTIONAL UNITY AND COORDINATION

UNIEC also welcomes the reported decision to strengthen collaboration between the Global Executive Committee and State structures.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide can only fulfil its historic responsibilities effectively when its structures communicate, consult and work together.

We therefore encourage the leadership to maintain regular consultation with State Presidents, traditional institutions, professional bodies, women, youths, academics, business leaders and the wider Igbo diaspora.

“The strength of the roof is determined by the strength of the pillars that carry it.”

THE ELDERLY SUPREME COUNCIL'S COUNSEL

UNIEC Worldwide encourages all leaders of Ohanaeze to remember that leadership is a trust, not a possession; an opportunity for service, not personal entitlement.

The reported vote of confidence should therefore be regarded not merely as an honour to the President-General, but as a renewed mandate for greater responsibility, measurable performance and deeper service to Ndigbo.

UNIEC Worldwide commends the initiative and encourages the leadership to build upon it with humility, transparency, continuity and institutional discipline.

Let us preserve the language. Let us preserve the culture. Let us educate the children. Let us strengthen the institution. Let us unite Ndigbo.

The Elderly Supreme Council concludes:

“A people who preserve their language preserve the memory of their ancestors; a people who educate their children preserve the future of their nation.”

May God grant the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide wisdom, strength, unity and continued commitment as it serves Ndigbo

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

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

ISSUED BY:

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