<\/p>\n
Ohanaeze Ndigbo<\/span><\/span> has appealed to prominent Igbo leaders living abroad to return home in 2026, citing the need to rebuild the region politically, economically and culturally.<\/p>\n In a statement dated January 25, 2026, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the appeal was directed particularly at elder-statesmen above the age bracket of 65 to 70 years.<\/p>\n The statement was signed by Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro<\/span><\/span>, and Chinyereze Ohia<\/span><\/span>, national spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.<\/p>\n Ohanaeze said the prolonged absence of influential Igbo leaders has worsened insecurity, weakened cultural values and discouraged investment in the south-east.<\/p>\n The group said the situation has also undermined mentorship and succession planning for younger leaders in the region.<\/p>\n \u201cWith 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,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n It said the return of the leaders would \u201cfortify ongoing efforts aimed at reconstructing our beleaguered Igbo nation\u201d.<\/p>\n Ohanaeze recalled the example of past Igbo leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe<\/span><\/span>, Odumegwu Ojukwu<\/span><\/span> and Michael Okpara<\/span><\/span>, who lived their final years in their homeland.<\/p>\n The group said these leaders demonstrated \u201cthe profound importance of presence and engagement\u201d.<\/p>\n Ohanaeze contrasted the situation with that of the south-west, where retired leaders were said to remain active within their communities.<\/p>\n It cited figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo<\/span><\/span>, Olu Falae<\/span><\/span> and Wole Soyinka<\/span><\/span> as examples.<\/p>\n The organisation said the absence of Igbo leaders has slowed initiatives such as the AKU-RUO-ULO campaign aimed at encouraging investment in the south-east.<\/p>\n It said the vacuum has contributed to youth unrest and violence, compounded by the exclusion of history from Nigeria\u2019s school curriculum.<\/p>\n Ohanaeze specifically appealed to leaders including Emeka Anyaoku<\/span><\/span>, Ebitu Ukiwe<\/span><\/span>, Allison Madueke<\/span><\/span>, Ike Nwachukwu<\/span><\/span> and others.<\/p>\n It said more than 250 Igbo leaders, including about 120 prominent figures and 130 others in the diaspora, were being urged to return.<\/p>\n \u201cOur 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,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n Ohanaeze said the return of the leaders is crucial to reviving the region and strengthening Igbo identity.<\/p>\n \u201cThe future\u2014the very fabric of our Igbo identity\u2014hinges upon your return. Your absence IS fuelling insecurity,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to prominent Igbo leaders living abroad to return home in 2026, citing the need to rebuild the region politically, economically and culturally. In a statement dated January 25, 2026, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the appeal was directed particularly at elder-statesmen above the age bracket of 65 to 70 years. 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