By ALEX ENEBELI

The Igbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has donated N19 million to 19 Enugu Rangers players who won the 1977 African Cup of Champions.

Sen. John Azuta-Mbata announced the donation on Tuesday during the Imeobi meeting at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, detailing his one-year stewardship as president-general.

He said the contribution compensated for the unredeemed N25,000 pledged by the Federal Government to each player 48 years ago.

“This gesture reinforces our support for sports as a unifying and empowering force,” Azuta-Mbata said, honouring the Rangers’ historic achievement.

“Decades ago, Rangers symbolised Igbo resurgence after the Civil War, when everything had gone down.

“Rangers captured laurels nationally and internationally, reflecting the never-say-die spirit of the Igbo. Promises by the Federal Government were unfulfilled, so Ohanaeze stepped in,” he said.

Azuta-Mbata said plans were underway to establish professorial chairs for Igbo language, history, and culture, backed by N35 million take-off grants.

Seven professorial chairs, one in each Ohanaeze state, have been endowed. Applications from eligible professors are currently under review.

“This is a strategic investment in cultural preservation, intellectual renaissance, and safeguarding our identity through rigorous research.

“We are ensuring the Igbo narrative is documented, defended, and dignified,” the president-general emphasised.

On achievements, Azuta-Mbata noted that work on the new Ohanaeze headquarters in Enugu was nearing completion.

According to him, the monumental building will serve as an administrative nerve centre and lasting institutional legacy.

“It will house a museum of Igbo music, art, and culture, preserving artifacts and heritage for future generations,” he explained.

He described the meeting as a renewal of continuity and collective resolve for relevance and generational impact.

Azuta-Mbata also said Alaigbo Investment Company and Ndigbo Development Foundation would receive N50 million take-off grants by year-end 2025.

Prof. Pat Utomi urged Igbos to define their place in Nigeria and called for a level playing field for all citizens.

“We need rule of law and property rights. Without them, citizens remain vulnerable to arbitrary dispossession,” Utomi warned.

Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, stressed the need for Igbo unity and advocacy for their collective interests.

The meeting drew dignitaries including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former SSG Anyim Pius Anyim, and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe. (NAN)