“Your absence fuelling insecurity”- Ohanaeze Ndigbo asks Igbo leaders in diaspora to return dwelling
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to distinguished Igbo leaders dwelling overseas to return dwelling in 2026, citing the necessity to rebuild the area politically, economically and culturally.
In an announcement dated January 25, 2026, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation mentioned the attraction was directed notably at elder-statesmen above the age bracket of 65 to 70 years.
The assertion was signed by Deputy President-Basic, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chinyereze Ohia, nationwide spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
Ohanaeze mentioned the extended absence of influential Igbo leaders has worsened insecurity, weakened cultural values and discouraged funding within the south-east.
The group mentioned the scenario has additionally undermined mentorship and succession planning for youthful leaders within the area.
“With deep respect and sincerity, we muster the fortitude to increase a heartfelt plea to the esteemed Igbo elder-statesmen and distinguished leaders at the moment residing in exile,” the assertion reads.
It mentioned the return of the leaders would “fortify ongoing efforts geared toward reconstructing our beleaguered Igbo nation”.
Ohanaeze recalled the instance of previous Igbo leaders comparable to Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu and Michael Okpara, who lived their remaining years of their homeland.
The group mentioned these leaders demonstrated “the profound significance of presence and engagement”.
Ohanaeze contrasted the scenario with that of the south-west, the place retired leaders had been mentioned to stay lively inside their communities.
It cited figures comparable to Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Falae and Wole Soyinka as examples.
The organisation mentioned the absence of Igbo leaders has slowed initiatives such because the AKU-RUO-ULO marketing campaign geared toward encouraging funding within the south-east.
It mentioned the vacuum has contributed to youth unrest and violence, compounded by the exclusion of historical past from Nigeria’s college curriculum.
Ohanaeze particularly appealed to leaders together with Emeka Anyaoku, Ebitu Ukiwe, Allison Madueke, Ike Nwachukwu and others.
It mentioned greater than 250 Igbo leaders, together with about 120 distinguished figures and 130 others within the diaspora, had been being urged to return.
“Our attraction will not be supposed as an indictment of those revered figures, however relatively as a respectful reminder of the urgency with which their knowledge and presence are wanted,” the assertion reads.
Ohanaeze mentioned the return of the leaders is essential to reviving the area and strengthening Igbo id.
“The longer term—the very material of our Igbo id—hinges upon your return. Your absence IS fuelling insecurity,” it added.