December 24, 2025
The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has donated N19 million to members of the Enugu Rangers team that won the 1977 African Cup of Champions, nearly five decades after their historic triumph.
The President-General of Ohanaeze, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, announced the donation on Tuesday during the Imeobi meeting held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, while presenting his one-year stewardship report.
Azuta-Mbata said the financial reward was meant to compensate for the unfulfilled N25,000 pledged to each player by the Federal Government 48 years ago.
According to him, the gesture reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to sports as a vehicle for unity, empowerment and cultural pride.
“Rangers symbolised Igbo resurgence after the Civil War, when everything had collapsed. Their victories reflected the never-say-die spirit of the Igbo people. When promised rewards were not redeemed, Ohanaeze chose to intervene,” he said.
Beyond sports recognition, Azuta-Mbata disclosed that Ohanaeze had committed N35 million as take-off grants for professorial chairs in Igbo language, history and culture.
He said seven professorial chairs, one in each Ohanaeze state, had already been endowed, with applications from qualified professors currently under review.
“This is a strategic investment in cultural preservation, intellectual renewal and safeguarding Igbo identity through research and scholarship,” he added.
The Ohanaeze leader also revealed that construction work on the new Ohanaeze headquarters in Enugu was nearing completion.
He explained that the complex would serve as the organisation’s administrative hub and house a museum dedicated to Igbo music, art and cultural heritage.
Azuta-Mbata further announced that Alaigbo Investment Company and the Ndigbo Development Foundation would receive N50 million take-off grants before the end of 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Pat Utomi urged Igbos to clearly define their place in Nigeria, stressing the importance of rule of law and property rights for national stability.
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, called for greater Igbo unity and coordinated advocacy to protect collective interests.
The meeting was attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
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