By Anne Azuka
Igbo leaders and socio-cultural groups have called for greater unity among the Igbo people and demanded a fairer share of federal projects across the region.
The leaders, under the umbrella of the Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with Ndi Na Asu Bia socio-cultural organization, made the demands in a communiqué issued after a two-day gathering held in Okpanam, Delta State.
The communiqué, signed by Chief Kingsley Onyenwemmadu Kainebi (President), Ofochi Benjamin Atagana Esq (Secretary/Legal Adviser), and Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada (Chairman, Local Organizing Committee), also expressed full support for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a matter of equity and justice for Igbo-speaking people.
The leaders condemned groups and individuals they accused of sponsoring or enabling Igbo disunity, stressing that unity was critical for development. They noted with pride that Igbo dialects remain mutually intelligible, which strengthens cohesion across communities.
The gathering also praised Senator Ned Nwoko for championing the Anioma State cause, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift what they termed the “economic blockade” imposed on the Igbo since the civil war. They called for the dredging and reopening of coastal ports in Port Harcourt, Bonny, and Opobo to drive development across the East and beyond.
In addition, the youths expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what they described as gradual improvements in security but maintained that more still needed to be done.
The event drew participants from 13 states with Igbo populations, alongside representatives of various communities from Anioma, Etche, Igbanke, Ikwerre, Ndoki, Ngwa, Opobo, Bonny, Ukwuani, Waawa, and others, as well as members of the diaspora.
Dignitaries in attendance included Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo), Senator Ned Nwoko, Emeritus Professor Uzodinma Nwala, Professor Obasi Igwe, Professor Chidi Osuagwu, Professor Chinedu Innocent Ewonye, Professor Paul O. Opone, and HRH Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Head of the World Igbo Congress.
