ON the occasion of the 21st World Igbo Congress Convention in Detroit, Michigan on September 3-6, Chief/ Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, who was the keynote speaker thrilled the audience both during the plenary session and the gala night with a scintillating and passionate address that was intermittently interrupted by thunderous applauses. Indeed, Ubah roused and captivated the interest of the audience with his mannerism and substance of his speech, which many conventioneers nodded in agreement. With his unbridled passion for a strong and cohesive Igbo nation, Ubah beckoned Ndi-Igbo in the Diaspora and Nigeria to eschew bitterness and build up each other.
At the same time, he used the opportunity to admonish those individuals who find it worthy to pant and grow seeds of discord and perennial division among their people. Stressing the need for the roadmap for the future of Ndi-Igbo, Ubah emphasized on the need for impenetrable unity among Ndi-Igbo both in the Diaspora and in Nigeria. Despite pockets of division among Ndi- Igbo, he said that we are strong and progressive people who were created in the image of God. He stressed that we have to tell the story of our successes in various fields. According to Ubah, it is essentially important for us to tell our own story and not let others define us as a people. "We are a resilient people capable of achieving successes under harsh conditions," he said.
Chief Ubah used the occasion to advocate for a regional development scheme in the southeast zone. He challenged the governors in the area to work collaboratively and diligently to embark on the concept of regional development so that economic wellbeing of the people will be enhanced. Ubah also challenged the people in the Diaspora to do more to develop their region. He said that the development of the region, and Nigeria in general, rests with the people in the Diaspora because of their intellect and enormous experience various fields. "You have the expertise to transform Nigeria," Ubah said pointing at the audience.
Dr. Ubah pledged his unwavering support for the administration of World Igbo Congress (WIC) under the chairmanship of Joe Nze Eto. Dr. Ubah said he will continue to support WIC and pleaded with other Igbo wealthy people to support WIC, which he sees as a source of hope for Ndi-Igbo everywhere. To buttress his point, he pledged $500,000 to World Igbo Congress toward the Regional Medical Center of Excellence (RMCE) project.
Reflecting on the convention, Chief Sabi Vince Nweke, the chairman of National WIC Convention Planning Committee narrated his excitement about the success of the convention in Detroit. He began, "I am pleased with the outcome of the convention and I am happy that the Anambra State government sent a powerful delegation, which it has always done." "We have some good dignitaries who came and added color to the event," Nweke continued. "Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah agreed to sponsor the convention bags and banner for the next three years and that was a great accomplishment because we have never had that before;
Chief Ubah really wants World Igbo Congress to be global, to bring every Igbo person to congregate, for example in Israel and he will fund it," Nweke shared. "This is a challenge to every wealthy Igbo man to emulate or partner with Ubah for his vision to build a truly thriving Igbo nation," Sabi added. "I want to take this opportunity to thank and commend the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano for his support by sending a delegation headed by the SSG, Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu; I want to thank the former governor of Anambra State for sending three of his former commissioners to represent him; and I thank Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who sent two representatives to the convention," Nweke expressed.
Dr. Ikenna Duru, president of Igbo Cultural Association of Michigan (ICAM) succinctly expressed his joy about the outcome of their hard work to ensure the success of the convention as the host affiliate president. He said, "I believe that the WIC convention was very successful considering all the activities that went on, including the active participation of successful Igbo leaders and professionals, who took time to be involved in the event.
It gives me joy to see the way and manner our people have committed to the enhancement of the social, economic, and political power of our people and pledged to expend resources and time to achieve the goal."
Other people also characterized the convention as substantive, successful, and fulfilling. According to Atty. Cordelia Nwokocha, "The World Igbo Congress convention was very successful. We raised a lot of positive points and Ala-Igbo was represented well especially the Anambra delegation. Chief/Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, CEO of Capital Oil was an ebullient keynote speaker. The Regional Medical Center of Excellence is now within reach for the benefit of Ala-Igbo. Yes, WIC can be better if we all get involved and not stand on the sideline."
The success of the convention was echoed by a first-time conventioneer, Dr. Stephen Uche, a professor of public health. He said, "The convention excited me because this was the first time I participated in WIC convention. Contrary to what I have been reading about WIC, this convention brought to me the realities, visions, and missions that abound in WIC. I am now fully determined to be part of World Igbo Congress because I saw a leadership that has purpose and vision for Ndi-Igbo.
The convention experienced high turnout of quality people, who were energized to pursue the collective Igbo interests devoid of personal aggrandizement."
Similarly, another first-timer, Akudee Ngozi Duru said, "This is my first time of attending World Igbo Congress convention and I am highly impressed with the caliber of people in attendance and the quality of deliberations. More importantly, I am excited that we are able to come together for the interest of our people. I implore everyone to come together and be focused and support WIC."
Dr. C. Morgan Onwenu opined, "In a nutshell WIC convention turned out to be what it should be. The Igbo around the globe came to the convention to discuss Igbo agenda, as well as the way forward for WIC.
We were able to identify some of the challenges facing WIC during the course of the convention. The Igbo who attended the convention provided possible solutions to the challenges. We had prominent Igbo sons and daughters around the globe who attended the convention, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah who was the sponsor of the event delivered the keynote address."
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