2026: World Igbo Congress urges for more Igbo resilience

The World Igbo Congress, WIC, has asked Ndigbo both at home and in Diaspora to recover quickly from their numerous problems in the Nigeria and focus clearly on a more eventful new new year.

In a new year message by the WIC Chairman Board of Directors, Sir Festus Okere, the WIC noted that the demolition of Igbo properties in parts of Nigeria, is regrettable and unfortunate, just like the continued marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

He noted that the imprisonment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a matter that broke the camel's back in 2026 and consolidated the impunity against Ndigbo in Nigeria. 

Okere however urged his fellow Igbo in Diaspora to sustain the Igbo natural constructs with the combination of all professions to redefine the Igbo identity and own their destiny. 

"Ask yourself what you can do for the good of Ndigbo, it's not shameful to do little but it's shameful to do nothing. No more outsiders mentality in lamentation of our problems, maltreatment by others. Let us collectively work together for our emancipation and freedom. 

"Let us reorient our culture and all actions that worked for Ndigbo such as re-enginerring our apprenticeship ingenuity for our progress," Okere urged.

He asked Ndigbo to adheer to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo proclamation of the last Sunday of of every January as the Igbo day of Thanksgiving and adoration. 

"Let's thank God for the past year and ask him for more wisdom, Igbo unity, peace and protection. Let the new year begin with love, clarity of purpose and fulfillment for Ndigbo.

"This year presents a pivotal opportunity for us to reclaim and revitalize Alaigbo where everyone will be welcomed. Please stay tuned for a town hall meeting where all of us is Diaspora will share ways forward for Ndigbo because actions must speak louder than voice this time around," Okere said.

The WIC Deputy Vice Chairman, Hon Basil Onwukwe, urged Ndigbo to rekindle the Igbo spirit, unity, and present a strong collective front.

Onwukwe noted that the call to action is particularly timely given the alarming rise in tactics designed to erase Igbo existence.