Ngwa People to Establish Accountability Framework for Office Holders

In a significant move aimed at fostering accountability and leadership transparency, prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Paul Ananaba, has called for greater scrutiny of public office holders from Ngwaland. Speaking on behalf of the Ngwa community, Ananaba emphasized that leaders would be closely monitored to ensure their policies and performances align with the interests of the people they serve.

Reviving Traditional Ngwa Governance

For some time, Ngwaland has lacked a central platform where its citizens could gather, discuss, and make informed decisions about critical leadership and national issues. To address this gap, Ananaba, who also serves as President of the Ngwa Social Club, revealed the organization’s plan to build a community hub in Aba, called the “Ovu”—a traditional town hall where key meetings and discussions will be held.

“The Ovu will serve as a rallying point for the Ngwa people. It will allow us to strategize, hold our leaders accountable, and shape the development agenda for our community, Abia State, and Nigeria at large,” Ananaba said.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Ovu Project

During a fundraising event in Lagos, where over N5 billion was pledged for the project, Ananaba shared that the Ovu will be more than a meeting place. It will serve as a multi-functional complex that includes a hotel, event center, and skill acquisition hub. “The construction of the Ovu is not just about leadership; it is about creating jobs and fostering economic growth in Ngwaland,” he noted.

Scheduled to be completed by December 28, 2025, the Ovu will host the annual Ngwa Day celebration, which will bring the community together to reflect on progress, discuss challenges, and set new development goals.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Ngwaland, being the largest clan in Igboland and comprising more than seven local government areas, has also initiated the Aba State Movement, an advocacy group pushing for the creation of a new state within Abia. Ananaba argued that a developed Aba would significantly boost not only the regional economy but also that of the entire nation. “Aba has been a technological and commercial hub, famous for its ‘Aba-made’ products. Strengthening this area would contribute immensely to the economic progress of Ngwaland and Nigeria,” he remarked.

The Ovu will also feature a skill acquisition center and a business mall, attracting major tenants and further driving job creation. Additionally, there are plans to build a cinema, library, and museum within the complex, making it a cultural center that reflects Ngwa heritage and values.

Support from Key Figures

The fundraising event saw notable personalities in attendance, including renowned musician Dr. Tee Mac Iseli, who chaired the event. He drew parallels between the Ovu Ngwa project and Lagos’s MUSON Centre, where he also played a key role in its development. Iseli expressed his full support for the initiative, particularly due to its potential to benefit both the entertainment industry and the broader Nigerian economy.

“The entertainment sector is poised to become one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s economy. Projects like Ovu Ngwa that support cultural and artistic expression are crucial,” Iseli said, committing to attend the foundation-laying ceremony later this year.

Another major figure at the event was engineer Obidike Uzu, who served as the chief launcher. His contribution and those of others underscored the strong community backing for the project, which is set to create a lasting legacy in Ngwaland.

A Platform for Lasting Accountability

Once complete, the Ovu will not only serve as a cultural and economic hub but also as a vital platform for Ngwa leaders to engage with the community. Ananaba stressed that it will be a space where office holders can be called to account for their actions and where the people of Ngwaland can collectively shape the future of their region.

As the largest clan in Igboland, Ngwa’s efforts to create a space for accountability and progress set a strong example for other communities across Nigeria. Through the Ovu, Ngwaland aims to foster responsible leadership, stimulate economic development, and ensure that the voices of the people are heard.