By CHARLES IWUOHA

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu, has urged the Igbos to ensure that only quality men and women with outstanding pedigree are elected to the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the organisation on January 10, 2025.

Ozichukwu explained that the Igbos are one of the leading lights of Africa, and for that trajectory to be sustained, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo must be strengthened with officers of sterling and accomplished qualities.

He made the remarks during his inaugural meeting with the NEC at the National Secretariat at No. 7 Park Avenue, Enugu.

The statement was issued by Ohanaeze?s spokesperson, Alex Ogbonnia, on Tuesday.

Ozichukwu emphasised that the effectiveness and viability of any organisation or government are a function of its leadership recruitment process.

He expressed delight that the Imeobi Ohanaeze has resolved to establish a screening committee to ensure that the incoming NEC comprises men and women with sound education, integrity, vision, knowledge of Igbo cultural and ethical values, innovativeness, and collaborative corporate relations, among other qualities.

According to the statement: ?The Igbo leader recalled with nostalgia the enviable Igbo unity during the Dr. M. I. Okpara regime, which propelled the Igbo to become one of the most educated ethnic groups in Africa.

?During the Okpara regime, almost all the schools, churches, markets, hospitals, and other social facilities were built through organised town unions.

?There were farm settlements that provided the necessary agricultural techniques for improved farming activities. There was food sufficiency in Igbo land. But, most regrettably, subsequent Igbo leaders appeared to have abandoned their responsibilities.?

He informed the NEC that it was the combination of Igbo internal peace, unity, and food security on the one hand and credible, accountable governance on the other that made Eastern Nigeria one of the fastest-growing economies in the world under Okpara.

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