A former Senator representing Rivers East constituency, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has emerged as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Delegates from Rivers State unanimously nominated Azuta-Mbata for the position in the election on 10 January 2025 at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
Senator Mbata’s emergence follows the zoning of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo highest office to Rivers State after the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who represented Imo State.
Azuta-Mbata, the first Ikwerre native to serve as Rivers East Senator under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to foster unity among Igbo people and tackle key challenges facing the community.
His election is seen as a milestone in reinforcing inclusivity and regional representation within the Igbo-speaking regions.
