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The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has called on to intensify efforts towards preserving and promoting the Igbo language, culture and heritage.

Azinge made the call on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.

The traditional ruler commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council for their initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Igbo language, culture and heritage.

He urged the organisation to sustain and deepen the initiatives, stressing that protecting the Igbo language and cultural identity was essential to preserving the heritage of the people for future generations.

The Asagba also expressed concern over the emergence of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting public statements in the name of Ndigbo, urging such groups to key into the leadership and programmes of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he described as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

Azinge, who recalled his long-standing involvement in Ohanaeze Ndigbo before ascending the traditional throne of Asaba, said his experience serving on various global committees of the organisation had reinforced the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo.

He specifically commended Senator Mbata for what he described as his initiatives and efforts towards repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo and promoting the interests, unity and cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

Earlier, the Ohanaeze national leadership, in conjunction with the Delta State Executive and other chieftains of the organisation, had paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba.

The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, who represented the President-General during the visit, conveyed Senator Mbata’s goodwill to the traditional ruler.

The Asagba later joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he delivered his remarks and responded to issues raised during the forum.

The event featured a keynote address by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu.

Organised by the Delta State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the forum was themed, “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”

Sibeudu provided an overview of the history, mandate, evolving role and activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, while highlighting initiatives of the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council aimed at strengthening Igbo unity, preserving the Igbo language and culture, promoting education and advancing the welfare and aspirations of Ndigbo.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, scholarship initiatives and bursaries approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Senator Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the event by Dr. Chukwu, who delivered a goodwill message on his behalf.

Mbata charged the Delta State Chapter and Ndigbo generally to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.

He stressed the importance of respecting the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while encouraging dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.

Responding to the keynote address, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder of the organisation in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the state chapter’s invitation.

Odogwu commended Senator Mbata for initiatives he said were aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to respond more effectively to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.

The State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also endorsed the remarks and expressed support for the direction of the organisation.

The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from several states, including the Rivers State President, Livingstone Wechie; Enugu State President, High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi; and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State and Acting Global Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Prominent Delta State Igbo leaders and stakeholders at the event included Chief Prof. Leroy Edoziem; Obi (Hon.) Chimeta Okonta; Ogbueshi Paschal Onuku; Hon. Chief Engr. Emma Eboh, who represented Senator Ned Nwoko; Chief Mrs. Lizzy Chiazor; Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr. Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu, among others.

The forum underscored the importance of preserving the Igbo language and culture, strengthening unity among Ndigbo, respecting constitutional processes and promoting cooperation among Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its state chapters, affiliate groups and the wider Igbo community in Nigeria.