By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
The 2025 Okigwe Peace and Unity Summit, held at the Obowo Local Government Headquarters, Otoko, marked a defining moment in the socio-political renaissance of Okigwe Zone. Convened by the Okigwe Council of Traditional Rulers, the historic summit brought together traditional leaders, political figures, clergy, academics, youth groups, and women leaders, all united by a shared resolve to strengthen peace, foster unity, and chart a renewed developmental path for the zone.
The gathering, characterized by an atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual respect, sought to rebuild the spirit of collective progress that has long defined the identity of Ndi Okigwe. Discussions centered on restoring confidence, deepening intercommunal collaboration, and ensuring equitable inclusion of Okigwe in Imo State’s broader modernization agenda.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, set the tone with an inspiring address that called for reflection and renewal. He likened the Okigwe people to a family bound by shared destiny and purpose, urging them to rediscover their collective strength and to work together for the socio-economic advancement of the zone.
Hon. Chukwu commended the region’s resilience in the face of adversity, insisting that progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of collaboration, dialogue, and shared vision. He praised the developmental strides of Governor Hope Uzodimma, especially the rehabilitation of strategic roads linking Okigwe to other parts of the state, which he described as vital to economic growth and social integration.
The Chairman of the Okigwe Traditional Rulers’ Council and Chief Host of the summit, HRM Eze Iheanacho Ndukwe, expressed profound gratitude for the successful hosting of the long-awaited event. He described it as a divine intervention that symbolized the dawn of a new era for Okigwe. The monarch commended all who contributed to the summit’s success and called for continuous unity and peace across the six local government areas of the zone.
In a strong vote of appreciation, Eze Ndukwe extolled Governor Hope Uzodimma for his visionary governance, infrastructural renewal, and inclusive leadership style. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of Okigwe traditional rulers for the Governor, describing his projects as tangible evidence of fairness and balance in development.
The royal father also recognized the dedication of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, and other key stakeholders who played instrumental roles in ensuring the summit’s success. He paid glowing tributes to the clergy, particularly Okigwe-born bishops, whose spiritual guidance and prayers continue to strengthen the moral fabric of the zone.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Chidi Osuagwu, a revered academic, introduced the concept of “Ikeoha, not Ikeotuonye”—advocating for collective strength and shared responsibility as the foundation of Okigwe’s modernization. He warned that individualism and disunity have crippled development and urged a return to communal cooperation and inclusive leadership.
Professor Osuagwu’s discourse on “holistic modernization” called for a multi-dimensional development model encompassing education, infrastructure, culture, and enterprise. He urged the people to take ownership of their future, stressing that the destiny of Okigwe lies in their collective will, not in government patronage.
Reacting to his keynote, Professor Otti Nwegbo described Osuagwu’s presentation as a “mirror of truth,” capturing both the challenges and the hope of Okigwe’s renewal. He challenged local leaders to break the culture of complacency and to stand firm in demanding fairness under the Imo Charter of Equity, asserting that Okigwe must produce the next Governor after Senator Uzodimma.
Rt. Hon. Ike C. Ibe added that the summit marked the beginning of reconciliation and collective rebirth for Okigwe. He commended the royal fathers for convening the meeting, noting that the unity displayed was a positive sign that the zone is ready to reclaim its rightful political position in Imo State.
Professor Maurice Iwu, former INEC Chairman, brought balance to the discourse by stressing that Okigwe has not been sidelined under the present administration. He highlighted the appointments of several Okigwe sons and daughters, including Dr. Uchenna Ewelike of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, as proof of the Governor’s trust in the zone’s capacity.
He urged patience and strategic engagement, noting that the benefits of these appointments would soon yield positive results. Professor Iwu called for the diligent execution of the summit’s resolutions, reminding participants that success depends on consistency and collective follow-through.
Dr. Ewelike emphasised that accessible and equitable healthcare lies at the heart of the state’s vision for human-development. He reminded the gathering that the “ImoCare” scheme is designed to eliminate the financial burden of illness for every citizen—especially pensioners and low-income households—so that no one has to “sell land or property just to afford care”.
He praised the political will of Hope Uzodimma’s administration in making universal health-coverage more than a slogan, pointing out that the agency’s referral systems and partnerships—with over half a million enrollees—are clear evidence of progress.
Dr. Ewelike called upon the people of the Okigwe Zone to fully engage with the scheme: to register themselves, assist vulnerable relatives, and view healthcare not as a cost but as an investment in shared prosperity. He affirmed his agency’s commitment to quality, transparency and the sustaining of this initiative as a legacy for future generations.
Ambassador Ojiakor used his address to urge the sons and daughters of the Okigwe Zone to rally around the theme of renewed unity and collective action. He reaffirmed that the summit was not simply a gathering of elites but a clarion call to every stakeholder—youth, women, traditional rulers—to take ownership of the zone’s rebirth.
He commended the traditional institutions and the political leadership for coming together in peaceful dialogue and called for the forging of concrete partnerships: social, economic and cultural. In his words, “Whatever we have to do to ensure that Okigwe moves forward, we must channel all our efforts and resources to achieve it.”
Finally, Ambassador Ojiakor stressed that loyalty and solidarity are not just voluntary attributes but strategic imperatives—urging all participants to convert the summit’s resolutions into sustained collaborative actions that will keep the momentum alive beyond the event.
Former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address at the 2025 Okigwe Peace and Unity Summit, emphasizing the need for reconciliation, collective vision, and sustained collaboration among leaders and citizens of Okigwe Zone. He commended the organizers of the summit for providing a platform for constructive dialogue and described the gathering as a timely intervention towards rebuilding trust and strengthening the foundations of peace in the region. Dr. Ohakim called on all political actors, traditional rulers, and youth to rise above divisive tendencies and work together for the common good, noting that true progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.
The former Governor lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his transformational leadership, infrastructural renewal, and firm commitment to the Imo Charter of Equity, which, he said, has restored fairness and balance across the state. He urged the people of Okigwe to continue supporting the government’s inclusive vision, reminding them that leadership is a continuum that thrives on cooperation and continuity. Dr. Ohakim concluded with a call for peace, discipline, and visionary thinking among Okigwe’s youths, stressing that the sustainability of development and the future strength of the zone depend on their patriotism, diligence, and unity of purpose.
Secretary to the Imo State Government Chief Iwu reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Imo State Government to the development of the Okigwe Zone. He acknowledged infrastructure gains under Governor Uzodimma’s administration—highlighting road networks and public-service projects as visible outcomes of government’s dedication.
He reminded the summit that peace and unity are the foundations of sustainable development, noting that “development can only thrive where there is peace and unity among the people”. He urged the zone’s stakeholders—traditional rulers, political leaders, youth—to align with the government’s agenda and collectively support the prosperity of the region.
Chief Iwu concluded by encouraging the people of Okigwe to continue their support for the Governor’s transformation programme, and to view the summit’s resolutions as a roadmap for institutionalising progress and inclusive governance in the zone.
Prelate S.J.C. Uche, a revered cleric, delivered a moral charge to the gathering, warning against divisive tendencies that have slowed Okigwe’s progress. He called for unity across all local governments and total adherence to the principles of equity and justice. He openly supported the call for an Okigwe indigene to lead Imo State after Governor Uzodimma, citing fairness and balance.
His message of reconciliation and forgiveness resonated deeply with attendees. He urged leaders to bury envy and rivalry, reminding them that political strength and development can only be achieved through inclusiveness and cohesion.
Adding a royal voice of wisdom, another traditional ruler commended the turnout and quality of deliberations, describing the summit as proof of Okigwe’s readiness to march forward as a united people. He called for continued collaboration between elders, youths, and leaders to sustain the
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_Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke Updates ©️.
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