Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide State Presidents Forum and youth leaders have called for increased Federal Government intervention in the South-East, including the establishment of free trade zones, functional seaports, cargo airports, rail inclusion and revival of industrial clusters in the region.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued after a two-day emergency meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on July 13 and 14, 2026. The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for infrastructure projects in the region and the creation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), urging proper funding and accountability.
The leaders also proposed the establishment of a South-East Security Trust Fund to support efforts against insecurity and urged Igbo people worldwide to actively participate in Nigeria’s political process.
They called for stronger cooperation among South-East governors to promote industrialisation and economic growth, while expressing concern over what they described as neglect of the region’s energy potential despite its significant gas deposits.
The communiqué was signed by Livingstone Wechie, Chairman of the State Presidents Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Acting National Youth Leader of the organisation, alongside other state chapter leaders.
