The people of Okigwe Zone in Imo State will on Saturday, October 25, 2025 converge in Obowo for a peace and unity summit aimed at addressing the political and economic challenges confronting the zone.
They will also use the summit to chart pathways for sustainable peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Organised under the aegis of the Okigwe Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, the summit is expected to attract all elected and appointed political leaders from the zone.
Among the top political figures expected at the event are former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu; former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; the current Senator representing Okigwe Zone, Senator Patrick Ndubueze; Senator Athan Achonu; Senator Ifeanyi Araraume; and Senator Sylvester Anyanwu.
Members representing the zone in the House of Representatives — Hon. Chike Okafor and Hon. Miriam Onuoha — will also attend, alongside Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, and Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.
On the executive side, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, will lead commissioners and other political appointees from the zone to Otoko, the venue of the event.
The six members of the Imo State House of Assembly from Okigwe Zone, the six local government chairmen, and all councillors from the area are also expected to attend.
It is further believed that billionaire businessman, Chief Tony Chukwu, will lead the business community and private sector players from the zone to the summit.
Traditional rulers, who are the prime organisers of the event, will storm Otoko, the headquarters of Obowo Local Government Area, to lend royal support to the political and economic renaissance of the zone.
Similarly, members of the clergy, including bishops from key denominations, have been invited to the summit, which will be chaired by Nze Chukwu Ozichukwu, immediate past National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to an invitation letter signed by the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Hon. Sam Osuji, and the Secretary, Chuc On Chukwuemeka, Prof. Chidi Osuagwu will deliver the keynote address.
The letter stated that the keynote address will focus on peace, unity, and reconciliation, while also highlighting how peace and unity can unlock the zone’s vast economic potential.
It further noted that the summit will explore strategies to strengthen Okigwe Zone’s political relevance for sustainable development.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Ossy Nwebo, will serve as the chief discussant of the keynote paper, alongside other prominent academics from the zone.
The organisers urged all stakeholders from the zone — including students, market women, professionals, and community leaders — to attend the summit.
