The President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, has called on Ndi Igbo to convert their individual successes into a coordinated development agenda. He spoke on Monday in Umuahia at the Igbo Day lecture and dinner. The event was part of the two-day 2026 celebration. The theme was “Njiko Ka.”
Ohaneze Ndigbo is the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people. It was formed in 1976. It has advocated for Igbo interests since the civil war. The war ended in 1970. It left deep scars. Igbo marginalisation remains a political issue. The organisation has faced internal divisions. In 2025, a new Global Executive Council was elected. Azuta-Mbata became President-General. The Igbo Charter is its flagship initiative.
Azuta-Mbata said Ndi Igbo have engaged Nigeria and the international community with energy and goodwill. But they lack a documented collective strategy. “We have had ideas, but not one clear plan,” he said. “That era must now come to an end.”
He said the charter was developed collectively. Academics, technocrats, business leaders, historians and youth leaders contributed. He described it as a collective social contract, not a personal initiative. The charter reaffirms Igbo identity, values and enterprise. It demands justice and a federal structure that allows different parts of Nigeria to develop according to their circumstances. He stressed the need to preserve the Igbo language. Ohaneze will pursue measures to make its teaching compulsory at primary school level.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia said the Igbo should embrace unity in diversity. “’Njiko Ka’ is about unity in diversity,” he said. “We must not all agree; we are not zombies, but at the end of the day, superior arguments win.” He urged Ndi Igbo to move beyond conventional trading. He said they should embrace manufacturing, digital technology and other emerging forms of economic activity. He said his administration is investing in technology training. Some Abia youths trained in digital technology are already working remotely for global companies.
Professor Kingsley Moghalu delivered the keynote. He urged Ndi Igbo to move from producing reports to implementing the charter. He identified four priorities. Teaching Igbo language in schools. Establishing an Igbo digital marketplace. Registering diaspora members. Strengthening security to attract investment. He advocated merit-based leadership and accountability. He urged stakeholders to publish quarterly performance scorecards. He said translating the charter into Igbo and taking it to churches, town unions and social media would deepen ownership.
Winners: Ohaneze, which gains a framework. Ndi Igbo, who gain a platform. Abia State, which hosts. Young Igbo, who gain digital opportunities. Losers: Critics who see charters as talk. Igbo without digital skills. The federal structure, which faces renewed demands. No serious losers if implementation follows.
Bottom Line: Ohaneze launched a charter. The document is a plan. Moghalu wants action, not reports. Four priorities are clear. The Igbo have ideas. They need implementation.