Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has described the book _Ohaneze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance: A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution_ as a timely mirror for honest reflection on the future of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Otti, who posted this on his X handle on Wednesday, said he spoke at the public presentation of the 602-page book written by Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma, held in Ikeja, Lagos. The event was attended by eminent Igbo leaders, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.
His speech, titled “Ohaneze at 50: A Book That Holds Up the Mirror,” reflected on the significance of the book and the future of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
”At 50, Ohanaeze Ndigbo deserves celebration, but also honest reflection. This 602-page work goes beyond recounting the organisation’s history. It examines its leadership, achievements, challenges and continuing relevance,” Otti said.
Quoting American comedian Phyllis Diller (1917–2012), who said “Maybe it’s true that life begins at fifty. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out,” Otti noted that the book challenges Ndigbo to look beyond history and interrogate what Ohanaeze has become, what it should be, and what it must do to remain relevant to future generations.
According to him, while heritage provides a foundation, relevance must be earned continuously.
”The future of Ndigbo requires institutions that embrace young people, technology, innovation and the global Igbo community, while translating our rich cultural identity into greater economic, intellectual and political strength,” he said.
Otti commended Onuma for undertaking the work and recommended the book to everyone interested in the history, identity, unity and future of Ndigbo.
”Ohaneze at 50 is not merely a record of history, it is an invitation to reflect on where we are and where we should be headed,” he added, quoting Chili Davies: “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”
He said the 50th anniversary should not only celebrate the past but inspire deeper conversation about the future Ndigbo must build.
