A new Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Igbochukwu Foundation, has called for a revival of Igbo identity, cultural values, unity and traditional principles, expressing concern over what it described as the growing mass exodus of Igbo people from their ancestral homeland.
The foundation made its position known during the inauguration of its Interim National Executive Council at Obu Gad, Enugwu Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The organisation said its primary objective was to restore the values traditionally associated with the Igbo people, including excellence, hard work, integrity, unity and dependence on God.
The convener of the foundation, Dr Chike Obidigbo, an elder statesman, explained that the organisation was established to address challenges threatening the cultural identity, collective interests and socio-economic development of the Igbo nation.
Igbochukwu Foundation Raises Concern Over Igbo Identity
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Obidigbo expressed concern that the Igbo people were gradually moving away from some of the cultural and moral values that historically defined their identity.
He argued that the combination of perceived marginalisation, discrimination and internal challenges had contributed to the growing movement of Igbo people away from their homeland to other parts of Nigeria and foreign countries.
According to him, the foundation was established to provide a platform where concerned Igbo sons and daughters could discuss the future of the Igbo nation and develop practical solutions to its challenges.
Obidigbo maintained that simply complaining about marginalisation would not address the problems confronting the people.
He said there was a need for deliberate efforts to rebuild confidence, strengthen unity and encourage a renewed commitment to the development of Igboland.
Foundation Warns Against Loss of Igbo Cultural Heritage
The convener expressed fears that continued neglect of indigenous values and traditions could weaken the cultural identity of future generations.
He observed that the increasing adoption of foreign cultural practices, combined with the movement of people away from their ancestral communities, had contributed to the erosion of some traditional values.
He stressed that the Igbo people must take responsibility for preserving their history, language, traditions and cultural heritage.
The foundation described its establishment as an opportunity to encourage conversations about the future of the Igbo nation and promote a new generation of leaders committed to cultural preservation and community development.
Obidigbo Speaks on Historical Marginalisation
Obidigbo also raised concerns about what he described as the historical marginalisation of the Igbo people in Nigeria.
He traced the challenges to the period following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, arguing that the Nigerian Civil War further deepened the political, economic and social difficulties experienced by the region.
According to him, the experiences of the civil war and subsequent developments have continued to influence the relationship between the Igbo people and other parts of the country.
However, he maintained that the foundation was not established merely to encourage complaints about historical injustices.
Rather, it intends to promote constructive engagement, intellectual discussions and practical initiatives that can improve the circumstances of the Igbo people.
Group Seeks Unity Among Igbo People
The foundation identified unity as one of the most important requirements for rebuilding the strength and influence of the Igbo nation.
It called on traditional rulers, political leaders, business owners, professionals, religious organisations, youths and other stakeholders to work together towards achieving a common developmental agenda.
The organisation believes that the collective strength of the Igbo people can be harnessed through cooperation, shared responsibility and a renewed commitment to the welfare of their communities.
It also emphasised the importance of encouraging younger generations to understand their cultural heritage and appreciate the values that contributed to the historical achievements of the Igbo people.
Archbishop Opoko Emerges President General
A major highlight of the inauguration ceremony was the formal constitution of the foundation’s Interim National Executive Council.
His Grace, Most Rev. Dr R. C. Opoko, JP, emerged as the President General of the organisation.
In his acceptance speech, Opoko outlined the foundation’s vision of peacefully and diligently pursuing the interests and welfare of the Igbo people.
He emphasised the importance of building an organisation guided by moral principles, cultural values and the dictates of the Supreme God, whom the Igbo traditionally recognise as Chukwu Okike Abiama.
His emergence is expected to provide leadership and direction for the foundation as it begins its activities across Igbo communities.
Mass Exodus From Igboland Raises Development Concerns
The foundation’s concerns about the movement of Igbo people away from their ancestral homeland also highlight broader questions about investment, employment opportunities, security and regional development.
Many Igbo professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners have established successful careers and businesses outside the South-East and in different parts of the world.
While migration provides opportunities for individuals and families, the foundation believes that the continued departure of people from their communities makes it important to strengthen the economic and social conditions of Igboland.
Creating an environment that encourages investment, industrial development, employment and business expansion could help attract more people and resources to the region.
The organisation’s position also reinforces the importance of encouraging Igbo people in the diaspora to contribute to the development of their ancestral communities.
Foundation Seeks a New Direction for Igboland
With the inauguration of its Interim National Executive Council, Igbochukwu Foundation says it intends to become a platform for cultural revival, intellectual engagement and the promotion of Igbo interests.
Its broader mission is to encourage a renewed sense of identity among the Igbo people while addressing issues affecting their collective future.
The organisation believes that preserving Igbo heritage should go hand in hand with promoting education, entrepreneurship, innovation, moral values and community development.
Ultimately, the foundation is calling on Igbo people at home and abroad to take greater responsibility for the future of their homeland.
It maintains that the rebirth of the Igbo spirit will require more than speeches and expressions of concern. It will demand practical commitments, stronger institutions, collective action and sustained investment in the development of Igboland.
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