Steve Unegbu, Umuahia
The Ohaigbo Community Development Initiative ( OCDI) has unveiled its vision 2027-2036, a 10- year strategic community development roadmap to restore and develop Igboland, as well as called for the return of the apprenticeship system that raised billionaires from nothing in Igboland.
The National President of OCDI, Hon.Amb. Jonathan David Okwudiri, who made this known in his inaugural address on the occasion of the official inauguration of the new executives of Ohaigbo, held at Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Conference Center, Umuahia, explained that the vision is built on five sacred pillars to punch poverty in the face.
He outlined the pillars as Diaspora and Natives Alliance, Community Development Network, Community Advocacy Platform, Security, Safety and Solidarity, and Selfless Services for Humanity.
Okwudiri acknowledged that the Southeast region, which was once known for commerce, wisdom, and the apprenticeship system, has become something else, revealing that Alaigbo is bleeding
“Today ,we unveil not just an organization,but a 10-year strategic roadmap,vision 2027-2036.
“This is not a political manifesto that expires in a 4 years.This is a generational blueprint crafted by professionals, traditionalists,youths,women, and our diaspora family. It is a document that will serve from 2027-2036, Alaigbo shall be the most secure,most enterprising,most culturally proud most developed region in Africa.
” Let us tell ourselves the truth, Alaigbo is bleeding.Our land,once known for commerce wisdom for the apprenticeship system that raised billionaires from nothing,respect for elders and love for community is now known for headlines,we did not write.
” Our youths are leaving -JAPA, not because they do not love home,but because home has not given them a reason to stay.
” Our Mothers go to farm in fear,our Fathers can not sleep in their villages.Our businesses close by 6 Pm. Our brothers in the diaspora want to invest ,but they ask,” Is home safe? Is home united ?
” We have become a people waiting for government, while government is waiting for the people.This waiting must stop today! “
The Founder of OCDI, urged Igbo sons and daughters everywhere to join hands in restoring the lost glory of Alaigbo, advising that “No one will develop Alaigbo for Ndigbo, except Ndigbo”
Earlier ,the traditional ruler of Umuokanne Autonomous Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State,His Royal Majesty,Dr Mathew Chiedozie Nwokoma ,while swearing in the new Executives, charged them to shun selfishness and work for the betterment of Igboland.
Eze Nwokoma, backed the call for the return to apprenticeship system in Igboland, maintaining that the system would help to restore dignity in Alaigbo
