Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu has been appointed as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, succeeding the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. Chukwu’s emergence was confirmed during an Ime-Obi meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.

According to a statement from Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chukwu will serve for the remainder of the tenure allocated to Imo State, which runs until January 10, 2025. His appointment follows the chain of events triggered by the deaths of two key leaders: Ambassador Professor George Obiozor in 2022 and, more recently, Chief Iwuanyanwu. In line with the “doctrine of necessity,” Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, the governing body, endorsed Chukwu’s nomination to finish Iwuanyanwu’s term.

The motion for Chukwu’s adoption was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke. Eze Ilomuanya praised Chukwu as a “cerebral thinker” with outstanding qualities, describing him as a seasoned management executive and entrepreneurship consultant with degrees from prestigious institutions, including Templeton College, Oxford University, Harvard University, and the University of Lagos, among others.

Chukwu has had a distinguished career, having served as a director at Inland Bank Plc, Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank (NMB) Plc, and as a founding member of the Technical Committee for Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC). He also held significant roles, including Chairman of the Presidential Committee for the Reorganization of the River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria and member of the 2005 National Political Reform Conference. Chukwu’s commitment to public service has earned him multiple accolades, including the Worthy Knighthood of St. Mulumba (KSM) and the Papal Knighthood of Saint Sylvester (KSS).

In his career, Chukwu has contributed to various national and international development initiatives, such as the South East Development Council (SEDC) and the South East Development Initiative (SEDI). He has also been involved with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

At the Ime-Obi meeting, many dignitaries, including state governors, senators, and various Ohanaeze leaders, expressed their support for Chukwu’s appointment. These included Enugu State Governor Barr. Dr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, as well as Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and Archbishop Prof. E. O. Chukwuma, among others.

Dr. Lucky Ekeji, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze, expressed his excitement at the appointment, noting that the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will come from Rivers State. Ambassador Okey Emuchay MFR, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called the day “phenomenal” in Igbo history, offering gratitude for the unwavering support of the Igbo nation throughout the challenges faced in the organization.

Members of the Ime-Obi praised Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu for his integrity, organizational acumen, and moral principles. They described him as a dependable leader who prioritizes honesty and effectiveness over the pursuit of power for its own sake. His tenure is expected to provide a smooth and credible transition of power, and it is anticipated that under his leadership, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will continue to thrive.