The World Igbo Congress (WIC), the umbrella body representing Ndi Igbo in the diaspora, has called for renewed unity, cultural revival, and economic self-reliance following its 2025 annual convention in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The three-day gathering, hosted by the Igbo Organisation of New England (IONE), drew participants from across the globe, including Nigeria, North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Themed “KOKOROKOOO: Igbo Bilie N’ura (Igbo, Wake Up),” the convention served as both a wake-up call and a platform for charting a new future for Ndi Igbo worldwide.
Delegates, scholars, community leaders, and friends of the Igbo nation converged to deliberate on issues of identity, development, and the collective destiny of the Igbo people.
One of the convention’s most symbolic resolutions was the plan to establish a Biafra Cenotaph and Monumental Park in Alaigbo (Igboland).
According to WIC, the cenotaph will honour the heroes and heroines of the Nigeria–Biafra War while serving as a permanent reminder of their resilience. It is also envisioned as an educational hub for younger generations to learn about the sacrifices that shaped Igbo history.
In line with strengthening the Igbo economy, the Congress reaffirmed the philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo” a call for Ndi Igbo to direct investments back home.
Delegates emphasized that strategic investments in Igboland remain the most sustainable way to rebuild the homeland, empower communities, and guarantee prosperity for future generations.
The economic discussions culminated in the formal launch of the Igbo Federal Credit Union, which was unanimously endorsed by delegates.
The institution will serve as a financial hub for Ndi Igbo in the diaspora, fostering wealth creation, economic self-determination, and collective empowerment.
Beyond economics, the convention also addressed rising concerns of Igbophobia manifesting in hate speech, targeted violence, destruction of properties, and marginalization within and outside Nigeria.
The Congress urged governments, civil society, and international partners to combat discrimination and guarantee equal rights for all Nigerian citizens.
In a strong message to the Federal Government, the Congress called for May 30th to be officially declared a National Day of Remembrance for victims of the Nigeria–Biafra War.
Such recognition, they argued, would promote truth, reconciliation, and national healing.
The body further demanded the immediate release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that courts at home and abroad have declared him innocent.
The WIC also issued a stern warning to Igbo political leaders against what it termed the “Igbo Political Judas Syndrome” a recurring pattern where leaders betray collective Igbo interests for personal gain.
It urged Ndi Igbo to reject “Uncle Tom politics” and embrace leaders who embody integrity, servant-leadership, and responsibility.
The Congress also stressed the need for cultural reorientation, mentorship, and greater involvement of Igbo youth in decision-making processes, insisting that posterity depends on their active inclusion.
According to the communique signed by WIC Chairman, Dr. Festus Okere, and Secretary General, Sir Chris Ogara, the Igbo nation’s survival hinges on self-reliance, unity, and reclaiming their Christian heritage in both values and practice.
Concluding the convention, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Igbo identity, defending their place in Nigeria and the wider world, and building a stronger homeland through collective action.
“With Igbo unity, resilience, and economic self-reliance, Ndi Igbo will never forsake their heritage.
Through strategic action, we will secure our rightful place in Nigeria and beyond,” the communique stated.
The 2025 WIC convention leaves Ndi Igbo with a bold vision: to honour their past, reclaim their present, and secure their future.
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