Ohanaeze Ndigbo Urges Prominent Igbo Leaders in Exile to Return Home for Nation Building

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has urged 250 influential Igbo leaders currently in exile to return to their homeland in Southeast Nigeria by 2026. The organization believes that the return of these leaders will bolster ongoing efforts aimed at rebuilding the Igbo nation. The statement, issued by Ohanaeze on Sunday, emphasized the importance of the illustrious Igbo leaders' presence in their native land to reinforce societal values, cultural practices, and language.

The absence of these leaders is seen as exacerbating the erosion of societal values and contributing to pronounced insecurity in the Southeast, discouraging investments and mentorship programs for emerging leaders. Ohanaeze highlighted the legacies of past Igbo leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Dr. Michael Okpara, underscoring the significance of their dedication to the region.

The organization also referenced the seamless transition of leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka back to their communities in Southwest Nigeria as positive examples. Ohanaeze stressed the need for influential figures like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vice Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, Admiral Allison Madueke, and General IK Nwachukwu to reclaim their roles within the homeland to contribute to the region's economic development and political participation.