Igbo brilliance not yet translated to collective growth — Ohanaeze

Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressed disappointment that the Igbo people have yet to capitalize on their individual brilliance, enterprise, and resilience. Speaking at the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner in Umuahia, Azuta-Mbata mentioned that the event aimed to harness collective strength through a unified development strategy.

He referenced the Igbo Charter, penned by over 67 Igbo technocrats and business leaders, which provides a framework for engaging the Nigerian state and the world. This charter seeks to safeguard Igbo culture, especially the Igbo language, by making it compulsory in primary and secondary schools across Igboland.

Despite their individual achievements, Azuta-Mbata highlighted that the Igbo people have not yet reached their full collective potential. He urged the Federal Government to find a political solution regarding the detention of Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu. Onyema Ugochukwu, the Chairperson of the event, emphasized the need for Ndigbo to work together to develop Ala Igbo and look forward to building a brighter future, moving beyond complaints.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced the state's shift from trading to digital commerce, emphasizing the importance of technology and digital delivery in global business. Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Chairman of the Igbo Charter Committee, stressed that the Igbo Charter should be a non-partisan roadmap for development, driven by merit, accountability, and measurable targets.