…As Nkire Emerges New Leader of Ngwa Nation
By Steve Oko
Aba — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that negotiations between the state government and foreign investors, including a Lebanese firm, to revive the moribund Aba Textile Mill and other distressed industries have reached an advanced stage.
Governor Otti made this known during the 2025 Ngwa Day celebration held at Ngwa High School, Aba, where Chief Theo Nkire, an elder statesman and Abia State’s first Attorney-General, was presented as the new leader of the Ngwa nation.
The governor said his administration was deliberately pursuing industrial revival as a strategy to tackle insecurity through job creation and economic empowerment. He identified the Aba International Glass Industry and the Metallurgical Plant as part of the moribund industries expected to resume operations soon.
Otti also noted that the recent acquisition of Star Paper Mill by the Abia State Government was aimed at expanding employment opportunities for youths and stimulating economic growth.
He urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that Abia State would witness an industrial rebirth and economic transformation under his administration.
The governor lauded the emergence of Chief Nkire as the new leader of the Ngwa people, describing him as a patriotic son of the soil who has distinguished himself through service and integrity. He pledged his full support for the new leadership and commended the Ngwa nation for preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
Otti further announced that the Abia State Government would honour the first leader of the Ngwa nation, Chief Jaja Wachukwu, with a celebration of his 108th posthumous birthday on January 1, 2026, at Nsulu.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Orjinta Alala, said the event provided an opportunity for the Ngwa people to appoint a leader who would articulate their collective interests. He explained that the selection of Chief Nkire followed a one-year mourning period observed in honour of the late Ngwa leader, Dr Emmanuel Adaelu.
Former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Chidi Ajaegbu, described the event as a celebration of Ngwa culture and commended the organisers. He noted that Abia State had witnessed notable transformation under Governor Otti and urged continued support for his administration.
In a keynote lecture titled “Ngwaness: Umunna Ehila,” Professor Sampson Erugo, SAN, highlighted the core values of the Ngwa people rooted in tradition and communal living. He urged the people to uphold positive cultural values while avoiding negative influences, stressing that Umunna remains central to Igbo communal governance, solidarity, and conflict resolution.
Several dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Austin Akobundu, commended Governor Otti for improved security and socioeconomic development in the state, urging him to sustain the progress recorded so far.
Also speaking, the Archbishop of the Aba Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Isaac Nwaobia, emphasised unity among the Ngwa people, noting that collective effort is key to meaningful development.
President of the Ngwa Social Club, Prof. Paul Ananaba, said the choice of Chief Nkire was unanimous, describing him as an elder statesman with the experience and credibility to effectively represent the Ngwa people.
The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of Chief Theo Nkire to Governor Otti as the new leader of the Ngwa nation.