As we step into the promising horizon of a new year, the Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, warmly extends New Year greetings to all Nigerians. In this season of renewal and reflection, it is essential for us to articulate our aspirations and pressing concerns as we embark on this journey under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu....Read Full Article >>➤
We commend President Tinubu for embarking on a transformative journey to restructure Nigeria through the establishment of the Six Geopolitical Zonal Development Commissions.
This initiative embodies a crucial acknowledgment of our nation’s complex diversity and presents an opportunity to address the long-standing imbalances that have historically marginalized various ethnic groups.
However, we assert that the true realization of these ambitions will be manifested in the forthcoming policy decisions, particularly concerning the upcoming 2025 National Population Census.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes the critical importance of including ethnicity and religion as pivotal categories in the census exercise. Inclusivity in this endeavor is not only a matter of demographic accuracy but a fundamental step toward ensuring that the diverse voices of Nigerians are heard and represented.
For the Igbo people, who reside across all 774 Local Government Areas, the generation of unbiased and precise demographic data is essential for safeguarding our rights and identity. The painful legacy of previous National Population Census exercises, marked by fraudulent misrepresentation and distortions of ethnic demographics, must not continue. It is imperative that the Federal Government implements proactive measures to ensure that the 2025 Census accurately reflects the full spectrum of our nation’s diversity and mitigates any potential disputes arising from disproportionate demographic portrayals.
Moreover, we call on our Igbo brethren to seize the opportunities presented by the Tinubu administration’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills. This initiative provides a substantial gateway for redirecting Igbo investments back to our homeland—an essential pivot from the unfortunate experiences that have seen Igbo capital languish in other regions. We urge all Igbo investors and entrepreneurs, as part of their New Year’s resolutions, to champion the establishment of an international economic hub in Igbo Land through the relocation of investments, particularly those currently concentrated in the North and Southwest.
This is not merely a visionary pursuit; it is a vital step toward revitalizing our local economies, ensuring that our financial commitments foster meaningful growth and resilience in the Igbo Nation. Furthermore, the time has come for the Igbo to decisively end further investments in geopolitical zones that have historically exhibited hostility towards our enterprises, particularly areas where unlawful demolitions and acts of aggression have led to the regrettable destruction of Igbo businesses.
As we navigate these pivotal issues, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains unwavering in its commitment to advocate for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We acknowledge the complexities surrounding this matter, particularly the hesitations expressed by some Southeast Governors and political elites regarding his popularity and potential actions post-release. Nevertheless, we vow to engage with trusted allies and employ strategic negotiations to pursue his release in 2025. The resolution of this issue stands not only as a matter of personal freedom but as a testament to our collective quest for justice and equity in our society.
Finally, we call for a transparent and fair electoral process within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Recent attempts by certain Southeast Governors to impose a President General from outside Rivers State, specifically from Egbema in Imo State, pose a serious threat to the integrity of our organization and the preservation of Igbo identity. We stand resolutely against any political machinations that seek to undermine the rightful claims of indigenous Igbos of Rivers State. The integrity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo must remain intact; we shall resist any imposition that violates our constitutional framework and undermines the aspirations of our people.
As we turn the page into this New Year, let us collectively strive for unity, resilience, and constructive dialogue. We firmly believe that the pathway to a stronger Nigeria rests upon our ability to confront our shared histories and collaborate toward a future that honors the contributions of all ethnic groups. Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfastly dedicated to this worthy cause.
In closing, we wish all Igbos and Nigerians a New Year filled with prosperity, hope, peace, and collaborative successes as we build a brighter future together.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo
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