From Ijeoma John Nnewi
The Obidient Movement, in partnership with Anambra State support groups, has Saturday hosted a one-day symposium that focused on strengthening and repositioning the Movement for greater impact and strategic development.
The symposium with a theme, “Repositioning the Obidient Movement for Greater Impact,” was graced by members from the five States of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia in the South East geo-political zone.
It paid attention to harmonization, restructuring, unification of purpose, social and political cohesion, ethical leadership, and the role of the Diaspora in reshaping the homeland.
Speakers were Professor Stella Okunna who was an Obedient Movement leader and Chairman of the event; National Coordinator of Obedient Movement Globally and Chief Host, Dr Tanko Yunusa; Obedient Movement leader, Convener, National Consultative Front and the keynote speaker who participated through zoom, Professor Pat Utomi; and another top member of the Obedient Movement, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, who is also 2025 governorship aspirant in Anambra Sate under the Labour Party, among others.
In her opening remarks, Prof Okunna said that the Obedient Movement strongly believed in the possibility of a new Nigeria.
She recognized the attendees from the five States of the South East zone.
Okunna associated good governance with integrity, transparency, accountability, justice and fairness which she said remained the core values of the Obedient Movement.
She clarified that those core values among others were what Mr Peter Obi had desired to enthrone in the nation’s democratic system. She described Obi as one man she knows that has good intentions to make new Nigeria possible.
Prof Okunna insisted that Nigerians massively voted for Obi in the 2023 presidential election despite what later became the outcome. She further described Obi as a grassroots-oriented politician.
Ozigbo in his comment said the event was a dream come true. He said that members of the Obedient Movement should imbibe the spirit of oneness with the understanding that unity is strength.
He expressed optimism that Obi would reclaim his mandate in 2027, adding that it has become imperative that members should be united more than ever before and work hard towards actualizing the objective.
Hon. Amb Kingland Justin Ezeani,one of founding members of Obidient Movement said the symposium was all about good governance geared by their principal Chief Dr Valentine Ozigbo.
He disclosed after 2023 general election, the Obidient Movement has not come together adding that this symposium was a good avenue for five States of South Eastern zone to meet.
Ezeani revealed that over 3000 were in attendance stating that 2025 Anambra State governorship election and 2027 general election would be occupied by stakeholders of Obidient Movement.
He urged the people of Anambra State to support a visionary leader in the person of Chief Val Ozigbo.
With Ozigbo as Governor of Anambra State 2025 , he added his Excellency Peter Obi would be fully represented for 2027 general election.
Through comprehensive discussions on leadership at the event, the symposium restated its target to solidify the Movement’s commitment to advancing accountability and transparency within governance.
The gathering marked a crucial step in ensuring that the Movement remained resilient, focused, and capable of driving meaningful change in Nigerian society.
In a 7-point communiqué issued at the end of the one-day event, the Movement said it is determined to bid farewell to bad governance in Nigeria through repositioning the Obedient Movement for greater impact.
It announced its formalization and restructuring effort of the Obedient Movement under the leadership of Dr Tanko Yunusa, aimed at harmonizing efforts.