My beloved people of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide,
Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!
In the spirit of the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I bring you heartfelt Easter greetings filled with peace, hope, and divine blessings. This sacred season reminds us of the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair.
As elders and custodians of our cherished Igbo heritage and values, your leadership remains a beacon for our people across the globe. Your wisdom, unity, and tireless service continue to strengthen the bonds of identity and purpose among Ndi Igbo. May this Easter renew your strength and inspire even greater commitment to justice, equity, and the preservation of our cultural legacy.
Let us continue to pray for peace in our homeland and for the unity and peace of our people. May the resurrection power of Christ bring healing to our communities, restoration to our families, and prosperity to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
On this holy occasion, I bless you all in the name of the risen Christ. May His light shine upon you and your households and upon our cherished project ” The great Igbo Achievers Legacy and award now and always.
Chukwu gozie unu!
Yours in Christ,
His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Director General UNIEC worldwide
Abakaliki, Friday, 18th April 2025 – It was a day of celebration at the Abakaliki Rice Mill Owners Limited as members unanimously re-elected the incumbent chairman, Mr Linus Nkwuda, in an election that marked a significant milestone in the history of the mill. Mr Nwkoda was returned unopposed, garnering a total of 215 votes, signalling strong confidence in his leadership.
In his victory speech, Mr Nkwuda expressed deep gratitude for the peaceful conduct of the election. He attributed the prevailing peace to the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, praising the governor’s achievements in less than two years in office. “The reward for good work is more work,” he said as he led a solidarity song in honour of the governor. “You can see how happy our people are with our administration, especially for the successful conduct of the election just concluded, and they are also very proud of the people charter of needs of His Excellency, which we are saying must reign supreme. For us at Abakaliki rice mill, 4+4=8 is a done deal, Nkwuda said.
He further promised inclusive governance during his new tenure and solicited government support in implementing the governor’s recent approval to redesign the Abakaliki Rice Mill into an ultramodern industrial complex. According to him, the proposed transformation would significantly boost the state’s image in line with the governor’s broader transformation agenda.
The former chairman of the Rice Mill, Hon. Nwibo Vincent Mbam, described the election as the most peaceful in the history of the mill. He noted a shift from previous elections, which were often held at government venues due to security concerns. “Today, we conducted the election in our own hall. That shows peace has been restored. The process began at 9:30 AM and ended by 11:00 AM, with all candidates re-elected to serve another three-year term,” Mbam said. He advised the new leadership to maintain peace and foster a strong working relationship with the government.
Long-time mill owner, Emmanuel Obia, who has operated at the mill since 1991, echoed similar sentiments. “In the past, elections were marred by irregularities, with rented crowds and thugs posing as rice mill owners to influence the outcome. Today’s election was different—peaceful, orderly, and free from government interference. This is a record-breaking achievement,” he remarked.
His Royal Highness, Sunday Oketa, a key stakeholder in the rice mill, also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “This is the fairest election since the establishment of the mill after the civil war,” he said. He attributed the peaceful atmosphere to Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and affirmed the mill’s support for the governor’s second-term ambition.
With the successful conduct of this election, stakeholders believe that the Abakaliki Rice Mill is on the path to reclaiming its lost glory and becoming a model of industrial peace and development in the region.
Hon. Joseph Nnunu, member representing the Abakaliki South constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, said, As a former chairman of Abakaliki Rice Mill, I’m a member and a patron. It is incumbent on me to play an advisory role. I urge the newly elected officers, in order to continue to sustain the peace which they have achieved, to abide by our constitution and enforce members to also abide by it. An election has been conducted, free and fair, and a winner has emerged and people are happy with the outcome of the election.
We regret to inform the general public of the postponement of the maiden 2024/2025 edition of the Great Igbo Achievers Legacy Day Celebration and Award Presentation Programme, initially scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, at the Enugu State Smart City. This decision is due to unforeseen exigencies.
This annual event is designed to honour and celebrate the outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements of captains of industry, accomplished entrepreneurs, politicians, clergymen, sports personalities, entertainers, and public servants across the Igbo nation.
A new date will be communicated in due course.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Warm regards,
His Lordship , Justice Ikpeama Alpha Ikpeama Director General, UNIEC Worldwide
We wish to notify the general public that following the postponement of the 2024/2025 Great Igbo Achievers’ Legacy Day Celebration, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the celebration under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Dr. Obiora Odumah has been officially dissolved. The dissolution takes effect today, being Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
We shall, without hesitation, notify you in detail as soon as the new committee for the celebration is inaugurated.
With the conclusion of the nominations\ appointments into its National Office, the process of the exercise has moved to the stage of appointment of state executives.
Ahead of the 30th May 2025, appointment of state executive officers, the UNIEC Worldwide has issued a call for nominations to fill a wide range of offices through which its affairs will be piloted at the state levels for the next four years (4 year tenure for all state officers).
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, the Director-General (DG), and Prof. Obasi Igwe, National Director of Media and Publicity. This development underscores United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide dedication to fostering inclusivity, leadership balance, and unity among the Igbo people globally.
Available Offices for Nominations/Appointments in its statement, UNIEC Worldwide provided a detailed breakdown of positions allocated to each state of the 36 states of the federation of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital (F.C.T.). These offices represent critical leadership roles within the organization, with emphasis on every state across regions. Below is the full list of offices allocated to states;
State Chairman
State Vice Chairman
State Secretary
State Financial Secretary
State Treasurer
State Director Media and Publicity
State Director, Stakeholders’ Affairs
State Director, Security Affairs
State Director, Police Affairs
State Director, Political Affairs
State Director, Inter Religious Affairs
State Women’s Leader
State Legal Adviser
State Membership Screening Director
State Organizing Secretary
State Welfare Officer
State Provost
State Liaison Officer (Male)
State Liaison Officer (Female).
NOTE: With the exception of Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Liaison Officers, all other offices have assistants.
Note that the positions of National Grand Patron, Life Patron/Patroness, Spiritual/Royal Father, Traditional Prime Ministers are reserved for individuals with proven professional and leadership integrity, which is subject to the decision of the Board of Trustees (BoT), in line with their mandates as highest decision making body.
Stakeholders (Youth) and Women Affairs:
Conscientises and mobilizes both stakeholders (youths) and women into patriotic leadership roles and preparedness for transition into worthy elders.
UNIEC Worldwide is a Council of distinguished personalities of Igbo extraction, the foremost socio-cultural entity and the umbrella body of Igbo Elders Council, consisting of elder statesmen, major stakeholders, opinion leaders, and leaders of thought both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora. It is an independent movement and a child of necessity, advocating for the restoration of Igbo unity, identity, language, norms, values, tradition, cultural heritage as well as degeneration of Igbo Think-Home Investment and Development Philosophy.
UNIEC Worldwide is also a voluntary non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit making socio-cultural organisation. It is an alliance of Igbo leaders of thought, duly empowered to form a common front, with the ideology for good reputation and quality leadership, located anywhere in the world but headquartered in Igbo land, with a well articulated philosophy, vision, mission, and corresponding mandate.
As an independent movement and a community of esteemed Igbo-elder statesmen, serving as an advisory council proffering sound advice on matters affecting the stakeholders with multidisciplinary approach based on wisdom and experience to problem solving and for good leadership in governance in Igbo land, while promoting national unity and stability.
NOMINATION/APPOINTMENT CRITERIA : Prospective members of the Council are duly nominated\appointed or elected in their respective State Chapters both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, and should be people of integrity and impeccable character.
People who are willing and committed to key into the vision, mission, aims and objectives of the leadership organization must be with proven integrity, honesty, transparency, and consumed with Igbo interest and should not let their personal interest clash with Igbo interest. This is open to individuals of integrity, former governors, lawmakers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and Igbo progressive professionals, including Ndigbo in the Diaspora, among others.
The selection process is determined by the people’s perception of the persons and is confirmed by secret research by knowledgeable people. This is necessary to build confidence of Ndigbo in UNIEC Worldwide, its decisions and actions including matters of discipline. This will streamline the cardinal objective of promoting the unity and cohesive existence of the entire Igbo Nation.
UNIEC Worldwide sincerely appreciates the selfless contributions of His Lordship, Hon. Justice Anthony I. Iguh, CON, Emeritus Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as an integrity continue to inspire the group’s commitment to justice and excellence.
His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, the Director-General of UNEC Worldwide , is recognized for championing justice, fairness, and socio-economic empowerment within the Igbo nation, while Prof. Obasi Igwe, UNIEC Worldwide’s Director of Media and Publicity, is known for promoting regional collaboration and stakeholder inclusion in leadership.
UNIEC Worldwide wishes to inform stakeholders in all states of the federation that nominations/appointments for the listed positions has started, and will close by May 30th, 2025.
Stakeholders are advised to send their nominees via the email address or call the phone line provided below.
For further enquiries email:uniecworldwide777@gmail.com Or Call:+2348164600000
Join a prosperous and progressive United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, opinion leaders, leaders of thought, the critical thinkers on nation-building, and be inspired.
UNIEC Worldwide: (Uplifting And Inspiring Stakeholders For The Greater Igbo Society)
UNIEC Worldwide Condemned Renaming Of Abakaliki Street In Anambara; Hence, Ebonyi Past and Present Govts Appoint Anambara People As Commissioners, Over Ten Streets In Ebonyi Still Bear Anambara Names
By Prince-Solomon Okorie
The Director General of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, His Lordship Justice Ikpeama, has condemned the action of the Anambra State government for renaming the popular “Abakaliki Street” to now “Club Road.” An action that the UNIEC DG described as an embarrassment and unpatriotic, which is capable of causing a bilateral breach of peace and unity that has been existing between the sister states; hence, “Ala Igbo is one united nation; there is no disparity.” He said.
His words:
“I’m sure that Ebonyians love Anambara people; the past and present governments of Ebonyi appoint Anambara people as commissioners and SA to the governor, and currently over ten streets in Ebonyi still bear Anambara community names such as Awka Street, Abatete Street, Umuoji Street, Onitsha Street, Ezinne Ifite Street, Umunya Street, Ekwulobia Street, Enugu Ukwu Street, and a lot more, he added”.
“He further stated that the Igbo nation has faced a lot of internal and external crises in recent times and appealed to Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to tread on the path of peace, as his name suggests. Not to embark on any decision that will question his integrity as a good and peaceful leader he is.”
UNIEC, is an offshoot of Alaigbo Achiever Legacy, the foremost socio-cultural entity and the umbrella body of the Igbo Elders Council, consisting of elder statesmen, major stakeholders, opinion leaders, captains of industry, and leaders of thought both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. It is an independent movement and a child of necessity that advocates for the restoration of Igbo unity, identity, language, norms, values, tradition, and cultural heritage, as well as the regeneration of Igbo Think-Home Investment and Development Philosophy. The organization will not shy away from its responsibility of rebuilding the Igbo nation, he concludes.
The 75 birthday of Elder Mrs Grace Ekumankama, the mother of former minister of state for health, Barr. Joseph Ekumankama which took place yesterday at Real Exotic Abakaliki was a true definition of a life well lived, the former minister eulogizes her mother during her birthday celebration; describing her as a wonderful and virtuous woman who raised all her children in the way of the lord.
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His words:
“I wish our mother a longer life in good health and God’s preservation and protection so that she will continue to enjoy the care given to her by her children as reward for raising them well, which is the dream of every woman her age: to enjoy the fruitage of her labour in good health. He described her as a wonderful personage and a blessing to womanhood, who produced a God-fearing generation. The testimonies of her grandchildren, the discipline and the good moral values which we instilled in our children are the reflection of our character and virtues which she passed onto us during our upbringing.”
” I encourage other mothers not to neglect their God-given role as mothers; they should strive to bring up their children in the way of the Lord so that when they grow up, they cannot depart from it and they will become men and women of noble character, devoid of social vices. Instead, they will become successful and impactful leaders in society, contributing their quota in nation building.”
The former minister appreciated all the dignitaries that attended the event and prayed for a successful journey to their respective destinations.
National President of Ebonyi North Youth Stakeholders Forum, Comrade Chijioke Njoku, has strongly condemned the recent verbal attack of former Nigerian Minister, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, against the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, representing the Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the tenth National Assembly, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
Njoku described the attitude of Mrs Ezekwesili as a public insult to the Senator and Nigerians and asked her to tender an unreserved public apology.
According to him, Senator Nwebonyi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to his constituents in less than two years in office, especially in catering for the affairs of the less privileged people in the state and beyond.
“Senator Nwebonyi has empowered countless individuals in our constituency through his initiatives in agriculture, human capital development, and overall empowerment programmes,” Njoku stated.
He expressed concern that Ezekwesili’s comments not only undermined the senator’s efforts but also sought to disgrace Ebonyi people who, through their son in the National Assembly, have been dedicated to bettering the lives of not only his constituents but entire Nigerians.
The President emphasized that such attacks are detrimental to the collective progress of the Southeast region and urged for unity among leaders and people of the zone in moving forward.
He noted that the Ebonyi North youths had reaffirmed their support for Senator Nwebonyi, highlighting his accomplishments and calling for a respectful dialogue among political leaders.
He reiterated the group’s stance that constructive criticism is vital for democracy, but personal attacks and character assassination have no place in political discourse.
Meanwhile, as the situation develops, Njoku maintained that the forum hopes that a spirit of cooperation will prevail, fostering an environment conducive to development and progress for all residents of Ebonyi North Senatorial District.
The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide* has proposed a courtesy call on the newly posted commissioner of police Enugu State Police Command Wednesday 26 April 2025.
They deemed it necessary to inform the Galant commissioner of the organization’s annual event which comes up on 23rd of April 2025. The Great Igbo Achievers Legacy Day and Legacy Award is an annual event that holds on the Wednesday following Easter Sunday celebration every year.
The UNIEC Worldwide prelude delegation led by His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, the Director General of the organization in company of Onochiengwu Obuna Esq, an Enugu based political scientist and legal practitioner, the DG unequivocally notify the CP MB Giwa of the group’s intention to pay him a courtesy visit in a future date that will be made know to him soon, to discuss the security of their upcoming events and other security concerns affecting the region.
The visit is in line with the “Igbo Think-Home Investment and Development Philosophy” of (Aku-Ruru-Ulo) that promotes good social values and right ideas within the Igbo community.
The two man delegates in a friendly discussion with the commissioner told him that they are at home with him because Enugu State is like a home coming to him, having served in Mopol 3 mobile formation at Garriki in Enugu Smart City before rising to be the exalted position as Police Commissioner for the State.
Interacting with Mr MB Giwa, His Lordship, Justice Ikpeama informed the commissioner that he is a true Nigerian having lived in ancient Kano city for more than 25 years and that for some years he headed the Kano State Sports Counsel (Boxing).
In his own account during this very relaxed and informal interaction amongst the three, Onochiengwu Obuna Esq was happy recounting his experiences during his service year as a (NYSC) member in Gombe State in 1999 where he lectured at the then Social Development Institute (SDI) Kumo now Gombe State Polytecnic. Mr Onochiengwu Obuna vividly remembered how he, with great passion lectured students on citizenship education as well on local government administration in Nigeria. That his students fondly refer to him as Mallam Austin (Augustine being his middle name). That at his odd hours,he made very effective use of the Almajeris in learning Hausa language.
The commissioner who was overwhelmed by their visit assured them of his willingness to receive them any time they come to his office and ready to provide them with whatever security services they may need from him.
Signed, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama. 25th March 2025.
The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has proposed a courtesy call on the newly posted commissioner of police Enugu State. They deemed it necessary to tell the Galant, youthful, humble and peaceful Commissioner that they are at home with him because Enugu State is like a home coming to him having served in Mopol 3 mobile formation at Garriki in Enugu Smart City before rising to be the present Police Commissioner for Enugu State.
This UNIEC Worldwide prelude delegation is led by His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama in company of Onochiengwu Obuna Esq, an Enugu based political scientist and legal practitioner. In an interactive session inside his office with the UNIEC Worldwide prelude delegation, MB Giwa who felt highly honoured beyond his imagination expressed how happy he is for this singular act by UNIEC Worldwide. According to MB Giwa this is nothing but a confirmation of acceptance from his host state in particular and the whole Igbo People in Nigeria. Responding to what Mr MB Giwa said, His Lordship, Justice Ikpeama informed the commissioner for Enugu State that he Justice Ikpeama is a true Nigerian having lived in ancient Kano city for more than 25 years and that for some years he headed the Kano State Sports Counsel(Boxing).
In his own account during this very relaxed and informal interaction amongst the three, Onochiengwu Obuna Esq was happy recounting his experiences when he was in service of our fatherland in Gombe State as a Youth Corp member (NYSC), where he carried out his primary assessment as a leacturer at the then Social Development Institute Kumo (SDI), now Gombe State Polytechnic. How he learned how to speak Hausa language by employing the services of the Almajeris.
Justice Ikpeama later informed the Police Commissioner that the Leadership of United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide will in no distant time be in his office to discuss vital issues with him more especially where it concerned about security of lives and property.
Signed, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama. 25th March 2025.
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