Emetu Advocates Ethical Rebirth at Ohafia Reorientation Summit 2026

Emetu Advocates Ethical Rebirth at Ohafia Reorientation Summit 2026

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has urged citizens to recommit to discipline, integrity, and cherished cultural principles as he officially inaugurated the Ohafia Reorientation Summit 2026 in Elu-Ohafia, Ohafia.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Reawakening the Ohafia Spirit,” Emetu described the gathering as both timely and essential, emphasizing that it should serve as a platform for sober reflection and collective responsibility rather than fault-finding.

He noted that Ohafia’s legacy has long been defined by bravery, orderliness, honour, and solidarity, values that earned the community admiration across generations. According to him, such virtues endure only when actively upheld by the people.

The Deputy Governor expressed worry over increasing incidents of drug misuse, cult-related activities, criminal behaviour, vandalism of public facilities, and a noticeable erosion of moral standards among young people.

While acknowledging ongoing government investments in infrastructure and policy reforms, Emetu stressed that sustainable progress depends largely on a transformation in mindset.

He maintained that although roads, schools, and electricity projects are vital, attitudinal change remains even more fundamental. A revived Ohafia identity, he said, must embody respect for human life, safeguarding of public property, responsible social conduct, productive youth engagement, and leadership grounded in integrity.

Encouraging young people to shun destructive peer influence and fleeting temptations, he called on them to channel their energies into education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, innovation, and community service.

Engr Emetu further appealed to traditional institutions, religious bodies, and families to play proactive roles in mentoring the younger generation, underscoring that value reorientation begins within the home. He expressed confidence that rekindling the authentic Ohafia spirit would reinforce both the community and the wider state.

In his address, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kalu Ikpemiri, highlighted the urgency of restoring the moral and cultural prestige of the Ohafia people. He described the initiative as crucial to preserving the traditions and principles that have historically defined the community

He affirmed that Ohafia youths have traditionally been energetic and ethically guided, insisting that any deviation from this path must be corrected. According to him, the community’s identity is not synonymous with social vices, and a return to foundational values is imperative.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Reawakening the Ohafia Spirit and Reshaping the Minds of Our Future Leaders,” the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Mrs. Urenna Abazie, described the summit as a deliberate effort to restore moral clarity and strengthen youth identity.

She reflected on Ohafia’s historic image of courage, discipline, and communal unity, urging collaboration among parents, educators, faith-based organizations, community leadership, and government authorities in guiding young minds.

Abazie warned that physical strength without character poses danger, intelligence without values breeds harm, and ambition lacking discipline leads to downfall. She advocated sustained mentorship programmes and civic education beyond the summit..

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Hon. Ikechukwu Monday, represented by Mr. Uzo Kalu, said the programme aligns with the New Abia Agenda, which prioritizes development, transparency, and sustainability.

He cautioned against the destruction of public infrastructure, noting that vandalism of electricity facilities, water schemes, roads, schools, and hospitals results in power outages, economic setbacks, security challenges, and stalled development.

According to him, repeated repairs divert funds from new initiatives and discourage potential investors, ultimately limiting employment opportunities.

Other contributors included the Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. O.C. Chigbu, who addressed drug prevention strategies, and Mrs. Emeka Mannic, who spoke on HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy.

The summit drew attendance from traditional rulers, community stakeholders, youth associations, women’s groups, and other interest groups. It concluded with a shared commitment to uphold value-driven leadership, responsible youth participation, and community-led development throughout Ohafia.