The World Igbo Conference recently x-rayed the perennial issues of marginalisation, state creation, and freedom of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), among others. But of symbolic importance and a common stream that runs across the issues is the imperative of getting regional politics right, LAWRENCE NJOKU reports.
He decried the lopsided implementation of the federal character policy, adding that the denial of a sixth state to the South-east geo-political zone, despite recommendations from various constitutional conferences had festered.
Iwuanyanwu, who seized the opportunity to recount the organisation’s efforts to secure the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from incarceration, reaffirmed the commitment of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in advocating for justice and freedom for Kanu.
He detailed the organisation’s ongoing endeavours, including legal interventions and diplomatic engagements, aimed at securing Kanu’s release, and ensuring that his rights are upheld. He also refuted claims of indifference towards Kanu’s matter. He urged Ndigbo in the diaspora to seek clarifications before making unfounded claims, heightening the importance of accurate information and informed discourse.
Iwuanyanwu noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under him, has tried to advance the course of Igboland, despite the challenges, stressing that he has succeeded in bringing her illustrious sons and daughters to speak with one voice, as well as realise that the destiny of Igboland lies in her people.
To that extent, he said that various committees headed by Igbo people, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavours have been created, adding that recently a retreat aimed at repositioning Igbo in Nigeria in line with current trends, national and global realities was held.
“That one-day retreat, which was attended by distinguished Igbo sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora reflected on the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria and the place of Ndigbo in the current dynamics of Nigeria in the understanding that difficult timers require divine wisdom, hence Ako bu Ije,” he stated.
Iwuanyanwu’s statement on Kanu sparked spirited discussion among conference attendees, with divergent views on the best approach to advocate for his release.
While former chairman of the World Igbo Conference, Emeritus Prof Peter Ejiofo, felt that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had not shown much commitment to Kanu’s cause, a position that was adopted by many, others expressed support for Iwuanyanwu’s defence of the organisation.
For instance, President of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Dr Sylvester Onyia and that of the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), Dr (Mrs) Amaka Aguoji, were divided on the issue.
While Onyia raised concerns about Kanu’s continued incarceration and the apparent indifference of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in pressing for his release like Sunday Igboho, Aguoji acknowledged the spirited efforts of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in defending the rights and privileges of Ndigbo and commended Iwuanyanwu’s efforts.
Emeritus President General, World Igbo Assembly (WIA), Prof. Anthony Ejiofor, whose speech aligned with the theme of the conference, however, observed that in the face of the challenges facing Igbo, there was a need for reorientation for cultural, economic, and political rebirth of Igboland.
“Igbos are insecure today culturally, economically and politically because a huge effort has gone into destabilising us, and a good number of us have also decided to play alongside, thus making it difficult to rediscover who we are. I think there is a need for Igbo census and database. All well-meaning Igbo must work together to get the balls rolling. There is no truth about security in Igboland. Youths must be meaningfully engaged. We must infuse technology and take control of our economy to help our politics and anywhere we are,” he stated.
Chairman of the Igbo Community in The Hague, Oliver Nwankwo, blamed the weak economy of Igboland for the various political and social challenges being faced by his people, explaining that there was a need for strong diaspora intervention by way of investing in the region to lift it in the sphere of things. He canvassed a situation where diaspora remittances should be used to support the economic development of Igboland, adding that should the same level of effort its people devote to buying and selling be devoted in production, it would improve the economy.
Nwankwo, who called for the establishment of what he described as the Igbo Diaspora Investment Agency, said it would help monitor the level of inflow into the region among others, and suggested that a system should be devised to ascertain the level of investment any person that desired chieftaincy title had brought into Igboland.
“This is because we cannot be shouting and asking foreign investors to come and invest in Igboland when many of us have refused to invest here,” he stated.
Commenting on the conference, a university don, Sixtus Igweze, noted that a cultural rebirth that could transform Igboland was “one that is focused on the economic and political advancement of the generality of the people not individual”, just as he praised the effort in bonding the diaspora with the people at home. He emphasised the need to shun acts capable of undermining the development of Igboland, stressing that the idea behind the Igbo Cultural Village Complex (ICVC), a multi-billion-naira endeavour spearheaded by the Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), under the leadership of Director, Prof. Chris Uchenna Agbedo, is to help Ndigbo rediscover their identity of hard work, service, and communism.
Anakwenze, who has become a cerebral figure in Igbo scholarship, language, and cultural heritage, emphasised the critical importance of preserving the rich heritage of the Igbo people in an era of rapid globalisation.
“The Igbo Cultural Village Complex represents more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies the essence of our identity, the soul of our community. In a world where cultural homogenisation threatens to erode the distinctiveness of indigenous societies, it is incumbent upon us, the custodians of Igbo heritage, to safeguard and nurture our cultural legacy.
Host Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who declared the conference opened, emphasised the need for collaboration among Igbo sons and daughters to achieve their desires and plans for the development of Igboland. He said: “This academic harvest marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to unite and strengthen the bonds of the Igbo community, both at home and abroad. I urge all great sons and daughters of Ndigbo to embrace and support the vision of reinventing Igbo studies and transforming Igboland.”
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