A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo says the Igbo have demonstrated their commitment to the Nigeria project and the country’s future through their investments in all parts of Nigeria.
Presenting a keynote address titled, “Igbo, yesterday, today and tomorrow at the inaugural Stakeholders meeting of the Global Igbo Foundation initiatives in Abuja, Hon. Onuigbo pointed out as Nationalists, the Igbo have invested in all nooks and cranies of the country more than any other ethnic Nationality.
He however posited: “However, that future must be deliberately negotiated with other regions to ensure that the Igbo have equal number of states, equal political and economic institutions, equal constitutional voice, and equal access to national benefits enjoyed by other regions of the country.
According to him the Igbo can be fully integrated into the Nigeria project through equity, dialogue and restructuring.
Hon. Onuigbo who is the Member South East on the Governing Board and Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North East Development Commission, NEDC, reminded the Igbo of the need to cultivate their core values of hard-work, honesty, entrepreneurial skill and good neighbourliness.
“We must revitalize, strengthen, and broaden Igbo Language and culture through deliberate and intentional activities at home and in diaspora. The Igbo should coordinate and amass the benefits from diaspora support to build hospitals, factories, medical facilities, schools and technological establishments back home while also embracing education.
“Education is the greatest asset to bequeath to generations. Therefore, we must encourage our youths to embrace education to be able to fit into the technological world of today. Through coordinated efforts by our respected leaders, youth groups, community leaders, religious groups, and Non-governmental organizations, we must re-orientate our youths to move away from quick wealth and vices,” the former member House of Rep observed.
While reminding all that the Igbo have rebuilt after slavery, colonialism and civil war as well as risen after dispossession, geographical and political contraction, the NEDC Board member noted with delight that they have also excelled without oil wealth and coastal advantage.
He attributed their successes to education, unity, community development, enterprise and resilience and stressed the urgency to confront threats to Igbo youths, language, culture, and political relevance.
“We must not allow the attempt to reduce our geographical space, history, and politics to shrink our identity and values.
“We are now at a point where our preoccupation is what becomes of our tomorrow. One sore point that challenges Igbo and the march to a better tomorrow is the use of Igbo language.
“Language remains a cardinal feature of culture. Culture which comprises food, marriage and burial ceremonies, mode of dressing, etcetera holds the key to the identity of any people. We must promote, protect and project the Igbo cultural attire,” Sir Onuigbo advised.
