Fidelis Chukwu, a former national vice chairman (South-East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been appointed the new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. According to a statement by Alex Ogbonnia, the national publicity secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chukwu was chosen as the group’s leader during the Ime-Obi meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.
He succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a brief illness.
“Nze Ozichukwu is expected to complete the remaining 27-day tenure for Imo State, which concludes on January 10, 2025. Chukwu’s emergence follows a series of unfortunate events that have affected Ohanaeze, including the passing of Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, CON, in 2022,” the statement noted.
“In order to complete the tenure of Imo State, the people of Imo State presented Chief Engr. Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to Imeobi Ohanaeze for the replacement of the Late Obiozor.
“By the application of a doctrine of necessity, Iwuanyanwu was sworn-in on April 30, 2023. Unfortunately, Chief Iwuanyanwu died on July 25, 2024 and was buried on November 1, 2024.
“It is in line with the doctrine of necessity that the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J Ihemedu presented Nze Ozichukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze to exhaust the balance of four year tenure allotted to Imo State.
“The motion for the adoption of Nze Ozichukwu was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman Imo Council of Elders and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo).
“In moving the motion, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya stated that Ozichukwu is a cerebral thinker with sterling qualities. He informed the Imeobi that Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, KSM, KSS is a Nigerian management executive and entrepreneurship development consultant.
“He attended prestigious institutions like Templeton College, Oxford University, Harvard University (Harvard Institute for International Development), Cambridge Massachusetts. USA, University of Bristol’s School for Advanced Urban Studies (SAUS) and (School of Policy Studies (SPS), The University of Lagos, Ogun State University (CETEP), and Galilee College, Tivon, Israel and holds M.Sc, MBA, degrees, among others.”
Chukwu has previously served as a director at Inland Bank Plc and as managing director of Nigeria Merchant Bank (NMB) Plc.
