Ohanaeze Urges Igbo Leaders In Diaspora To Embarce ‘Think Home’ Philosophy

By Alex Odeh

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on Ndigbo in the diaspora to emulate the leaders of the other regions, especially the leaders of the southwest to think back home and bring their experience to bear to ensure rapid economic revivals in the southeast.

The call was conveyed through a press statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki by Ohanaeze Ndigbo signed by the duo of Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinyereze Ohia, Deputy President General and National Spokesman of the Igbo highest body.

According to the press statement, the absence of these leaders such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vice Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, Admiral Allison Madueke, General Ike Nwachukwu and others has created void leading to the erosion of Ndigbo social values, cultural practices and languages.

The statement reads: “With deep respect and sincerity, we muster the fortitude to extend a heartfelt plea to the esteemed Igbo elder-statesmen and distinguished leaders currently residing in exile, particularly those above the customary retirement age of 65 to 70 years.

“We beseech these luminaries, who have scattered across the globe, to consider returning to their roots in 2026. Your return will fortify ongoing efforts aimed at reconstructing our beleaguered Igbo nation, ravaged by political and economic disarray, as well as the near collapse of our cherished culture and traditions”

He bemoaned the consequences of the retired Igbo who have chosen to remain in exile.

“The dire situation facing our homeland demands immediate attention. The persistent absence of illustrious Igbo leaders from their native land exacerbates the erosion of our societal values, cultural practices, and languages. This void has paved the way for pronounced insecurities in the Southeast and dissuaded investment from our wealthiest citizens back home, thereby thwarting essential mentorship programs and succession planning for emerging leaders within our region .

“As we reflect on the legacy of the prominent Igbo figures who, having faced the trials of the Nigerian Civil War, chose to dedicate their lives to the betterment of our region—individuals like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Dr. Michael Okpara, among others—we must recognize the imperative for contemporary leaders to follow suit. These legends lived and breathed their final days within the embrace of their homeland, demonstrating the profound importance of presence and engagement.

“Regrettably, we observe that esteemed leaders from other regions of Nigeria, particularly the Southwest, have seamlessly transitioned back into their communities upon reaching retirement age. We highlight the examples of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leaders such as Pa Olu Falae and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who prioritize their commitments to their localities, thus serving as pivotal actors in regional development.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts resolutely that the ongoing exile of our prominent leaders has induced detrimental effects, undermining the momentum of initiatives like the *AKU-RUO-ULO* campaign—our impassioned call to encourage Igbo businesspeople to repatriate their investments to the Southeast. This pervasive absence has fostered an atmosphere where violence and unrest took root among youth seeking purpose and guidance, further aggravated by the federal government’s disconcerting decision to exclude history from the educational curriculum.

“In light of these realities, we particularly appeal to stalwarts such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vice Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, Admiral Allison Madueke, General Ike Nwachukwu, and others, many of whom remain influential voices in our society. Over 120 illustrious individuals, alongside 130 more distinguished leaders scattered across the diaspora, are called to reclaim their roles within our homeland in the spirit of renewal and revitalization.

“Our appeal is not intended as an indictment of these revered figures, but rather as a respectful reminder of the urgency with which their wisdom and presence are needed in our reconstructive efforts. The future—the very fabric of our Igbo identity—hinges upon your return. As we aspire to position the East of the Niger as the premier economic destination for Africa and the world, we trust that your contributions will rejuvenate not only the dwindling economic fortunes of our people but also inspire renewed political participation and mentorship among the youth.

“In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands in steadfast solidarity with our cherished leaders. Your return is a necessity for the revival of our homeland and a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Ndigbo”, he said.