COMMUNIQUE OF THE 2020 IGBO CONFERENCE: “OHANAEZE: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW”
Following a Two-Day Virtual Conference involving major Igbo stakeholders at home and in the Diaspora, held respectively on 20th September 2020 and 4th October 2020, Ndigbo deliberated, resolved and hereby state and affirm as follows:
- That this conference provided an opportunity for Ndigbo to discuss issues affecting their well-being and proffer suggestions on how they can thrive and actualize their potential as a people.
- That the current Ohanaeze leadership, its affiliated organizations and various Igbo platforms, be commended for their commitment and frank contributions.
- That strategic commitment and sustained efforts be made to promote Igbo unity and interactive value creation through women and youth Inclusion, in order to mainstream gender equity and enhance Ohanaeze’s cross-generational appeal.
- That a strategic plan for Ohanaeze’s future engagements be articulated, action points itemized, and specific problems addressed exhaustively.
- That the tension in the country today is traceable to the structural imbalance of the Federation, political marginalization, social and economic injustice, and stifling insecurity.
- That a sustainable future for Ndigbo must be based on (i) A clear understanding of the past, (ii) Absorption of the lessons of the present, and (iii) A well-articulated engagement template for the future.
- That the templates for youth involvement in Ohanaeze affairs should include a mentoring process;
- That Ohanaeze structures at the state, local government and ward levels, including Town Unions, should be made relevant and effective;
- That, modalities be put in place for effective funding of Ohanaeze’s structures and activities;
- That the concept of Alaigbo Sustainability Fund, be properly articulated and urgent steps for its establishment and activation put in place within the shortest possible time;
- That the role of Ohanaeze as a socio-cultural organization and the demands of contemporary politics be managed with the necessary dexterity and group consensus;
- That Ndigbo should adhere to, and promote, the positive values that project and enhance the Igbo reputation for enterprise, dynamism and community building;
- That Ohanaeze should continue to pressurize the Nigerian State to urgently address the mounting injustice, frustrations and marginalization driving the demands for a fundamental review of the Nigerian union;
- The solution to our current national malaise, and the strident calls for separatism, is Dialogue, fiscal federalism and the restoration of a Constitution that is truly a product of the people of Nigeria;
- That Ndigbo continue to affirm their belief in, and commitment to, joining hands with all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, to build a peaceful, just, united, and prosperous nation.
We affirm the foregoing as our collective resolve and append our signatures and seals to this document, as the Communiqué arising from the Conference.
- Dr. Uma Eleazu, OON Chairman, Day 1.
- Senator Chris Anyanwu, MFR Moderator, Panel Session Day 1.
- Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka. Past President, Aka Ikenga Anchor, Day 1.
- Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, OFR Chairman, Day 2.
- Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, mni Moderator, Panel Session Day 2.
- Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke. President, Igbo Ekunie Initiative, Anchor, Day 2.
- Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa,OFR
- Engr. Sir Chris Okoye, FNSE President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. Chairman, South East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) Steering Committee
- Prof. Pat. Odinachi Utomi, Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL)
- Mr. Nnanna Anyim-Ude CEO, Agon Continental Ltd.
- Arch. Ferdinand Agu. Secretary, Ohanaeze Strategic Committee
- Mr. Andy Wabali, Deputy President (South-South), South East-South South Professionals of Nigeria.
- Mrs. Ify Bozimo Commissioner, African Affairs, Office of the Mayor, Washington DC, USA.
- Maj. Gen. Obi Umahi (Rtd) President General, Ndigbo Lagos.
- Prof. Anthony Ejiofor, Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC)
- Mr. Darl Uzu, Lead Promoter, Enyimba Economic City.
- Ambassador Umunna Humphrey Orjiako, Ph.D
- Former Nigeria Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, Geneva
- Ms Ezinne Anyanwu CEO, Efferent Services Ltd
- Chief Emeka Diwe
- National President, Association of Igbo Town Unions.
- Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze. President, Igbo World Assembly (IWA)
- Lolo Kate Ezeofor. President-General, Umuada Igbo.
- Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (OON)
- Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (Rtd). Past, Chief of Naval Staff.
- Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche. Past Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
- HRH Igwe Ambassador L. O. C. Agubuzu, OON.
- Igwe of Ezema Olo & Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
- Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR, OFR, CFR. Past Chairman, Ohanaeze Constitution Review Committee
- Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju. Conference Host.
- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. Senate Minority Leader
- Ambassador Joseph Keshi, OON, DG, BRACED Commission
- HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe,CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha & Chairman Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers.
- Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
