BY PATRICK MGBODO
Deltans have continued to distinguish themselves in leadership capacities on the global front following the emergence of Echiemeze Ofili as the new President of the Council of Igbo States in America (CISA).
In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of CISA, Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation in the Americas expressed confidence in Ofili’s leadership.
Ofili, a native of the Obomkpa Community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, took over from Dr (Mrs) Josephine Aguoji (Anambra State) whose tenure expired On December 31, 2025.
In line with CISA’s bylaws, the presidency rotates every two years among Igbo-speaking states in alphabetical order. With Abia and Anambra having completed their turns, the leadership baton now falls to Anioma (Delta State).
Ofili, a respected audit, compliance and financial management professional with over two decades of experience, will lead the affairs of the apex Igbo organization in North America for the next two years.
He holds an MSc in Economic Crime Management from Utica University in New York and a BSc in Economics from the University of Port Harcourt.
Ofili currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Audit at MUFG Bank Ltd. in Tampa, Florida, supporting enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and internal audit in a highly regulated global financial environment.
His extensive leadership record includes serving as Treasurer of the Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Secretary-General of the Anioma World Assembly (AWA), Secretary-General of Obomkpa Progressive Union (OPU) America Inc., former Secretary-General of CISA (2010–2013), and Financial Secretary of CISA (2020–2025).
In accepting his election, Ofili described CISA as a foremost Igbo diaspora organisation in the Americas and pledged to elevate it to greater heights, even as he thanked the members for their confidence in him.
He also appreciated past leaders of CISA for laying a strong foundation, adding that he remains committed to expanding CISA’s engagement with African Americans and other communities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the CISA Board of Presidents and Regent of Abagana, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has congratulated Mr Ofili on his election as the new President of the Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA).
Dr. Anakwenze expressed profound appreciation to the immediate past President, Dr Aguoji, particularly for her role in strengthening the CISA Global Festival at the historic Igbo Landing site in St. Simons Island, among other achievements.
