Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, hosted the second annual public lecture in honour of His Royal Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe.
The lecture with the theme “Restructuring for True Federalism: A Challenge to Igbo Leadership” took place at the university auditorium and sought to highlight the aspirations of Igbo leadership while redefining the Igbo identity and securing the future of Ndi Igbo within Nigeria’s political framework.
Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the occasion and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta Mbata, described true federalism as a system of government where power is constitutionally divided and shared between a central government and constituent units, with each retaining independent spheres of authority. He observed that while the Igbo nation has excelled in many areas of human endeavour, it has yet to find its place at the political centre of Nigeria. He emphasized the need for restructuring to reflect true federalism, noting that the Igbo have the capacity to make significant contributions to Nigerian democracy and its political ecosystem.
In her welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Carol Arinze Umobi, represented by Prof. Harry Obi Nwosu, explained that the World Centre for Igbo Repository was created by the university as a hub for storing and managing data and resources on the Igbo race. The centre, she said, encourages research and dissemination of information on the Igbo people both at home and in the diaspora through lectures, festivals and workshops. She also described the lecture theme as timely, stressing that the Igbo share a common cultural identity expressed through language, calendar, governance systems and communal values such as hard work, determination and perseverance.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee and former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu, noted that the annual lecture was founded on a commitment to exploring and celebrating “Igboness.” He described the theme as a call to introspection and strategic thinking, challenging Igbo leadership to define the identity and secure the future of Ndi Igbo within a broader national framework.
Delivering the lecture, guest speaker Prof. Obasi Igwe stated that the Igbo race must embrace a new attitude in order to survive as a marginalized group. He emphasized that restructuring should be seen as a tool for nation building rather than an ethnic agenda, drawing lessons from South Africa where apartheid was abolished to foster coexistence and peace. He urged the current administration to embrace true federalism by reforming Nigeria’s federal system to tackle political imbalance, economic marginalization, corruption and ethnic dominance.
The celebrant, HRM Igwe Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, stressed that true federalism must move Nigeria away from its centralized structure toward a system of autonomous and coordinated federating units. He said that restructuring should aim at addressing disunity, promoting development and empowering local communities, with a focus on decentralization of power, regional autonomy, ethnic harmony and national unity.
Other dignitaries present included the Chairman and Pro Chancellor of UNIZIK Governing Council, Barr. Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi, the Royal Father of the Day and Traditional Ruler of Omor Community, HRH Igwe Dr. Oranu Chidume, the Governor of Enugu State, H.E. Dr. Peter Mbah represented by Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and ADC Gubernatorial Aspirant, Hon. John Nwosu.
The event was rounded off with a colourful book presentation and launching performed by Senator John Azuta Mbata with the support of dignitaries in attendance.
