The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appointed Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu as its new President-General. His emergence follows a tumultuous period marked by the deaths of his predecessors, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor in 2022 and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in 2024.
Nze Ozichukwu’s tenure will complete the 27-day balance allocated to Imo State, ending on January 10, 2025. His appointment reflects the application of the “doctrine of necessity,” which guided the transition after the sudden demise of Obiozor and the subsequent replacement by Iwuanyanwu, who passed away earlier this year.
Presented by Barrister C.J. Ihemedu, the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze endorsed Nze Ozichukwu for the role. This proposal, moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke, was unanimously adopted by the Imeobi Ohanaeze leadership.
Eze Ilomuanya lauded Nze Ozichukwu as a visionary leader with impeccable credentials. A Nigerian management executive and consultant, Ozichukwu boasts an impressive academic portfolio, having studied at renowned institutions such as Templeton College, Oxford University, and Harvard University. He holds advanced degrees, including an MSc and MBA, from globally recognized universities.
His professional background is equally distinguished. He has served as Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank (NMB) Plc, a director at Inland Bank Plc, and a founding member of the Technical Committee for Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC), which later became the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). His leadership roles also include chairing the Presidential Committee for the Reorganization of River Basin Development Authorities and participating in the 2005 National Political Reform Conference.
Ozichukwu’s contributions extend beyond business and governance. A devout Catholic, he holds the titles of Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM) and Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester (KSS). He was honored with the United Nations Peace Award in 2002 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
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His influence in regional development is notable, with active involvement in initiatives such as the South East Development Council (SEDC) and the South East Development Initiative (SEDI). He has also championed the Cottage Industries Development Initiative (CIDI) and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Town Unions.
Dignitaries from across Igbo land attended the Imeobi Ohanaeze session to witness his appointment, including Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and other prominent figures like Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, and Prof. Chinedu Nebo.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, described the day as a pivotal moment in Igbo history, expressing gratitude for the unity and support demonstrated by the Igbo nation during challenging times.
Imeobi members lauded Nze Ozichukwu as a man of courage, integrity, and exceptional organizational acumen. Many expressed confidence that his leadership would ensure a seamless and credible transition to the next President-General, expected to come from Rivers State.
