Editorial: Celebrating Our Own, Building Regional Unity
In recent days, a debate has surfaced over the origins of Professor Bernard Odoh and his recent appointment as Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK. Some have claimed that his roots are tied not to Ebonyi but to Nsukka, igniting discussions around who “owns” certain names and identities. Yet, if we take a step back, we must ask ourselves—are these divisions truly the path to regional progress?
In an interconnected Igbo land, we have long held the values of unity, acceptance, and kinship above all else. Our shared heritage, language, and customs are more significant than the borders that separate our communities. This truth has been demonstrated time and again, as people from Anambra, Imo, and other states have held esteemed roles in Ebonyi with open arms and without protest. In Ebonyi, a federal university, airport, and even key state positions have been managed by capable individuals from neighbouring states, reflecting our spirit of hospitality and inclusiveness. This cross-pollination of talent and collaboration is what makes our region resilient.
Today, as a federal appointee, Professor Odoh has been selected based on his credentials, not his place of origin. The decision was made by the Federal Government, not as a statement about Ebonyi or Anambra, but as a recognition of merit and experience. It’s time we honour that choice by supporting Odoh’s leadership, setting aside state-based biases, and focusing instead on the quality of his work. We have urgent matters at hand, such as tackling the insecurity that plagues our region, which will require every ounce of our unity and strength.
At Obinwanem Ndi Igbo, we believe that the installation of Professor Odoh as Vice Chancellor should not be overshadowed by questions of origin. What matters is that he is a son of the Igbo nation, appointed to serve at one of our most respected institutions. We must ask ourselves: will we let divisive issues distract us, or will we rally around our common purpose and shared future?
It is time we turned our focus to regional unity, measuring our leaders by their performance and integrity rather than their state of birth. This is the way forward—celebrating our own, lifting each other up, and working together to secure a prosperous future for the entire Igbo region. After all, our strength lies in our unity. Let this be our guiding principle as we forge ahead.
