Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has urged Ndigbo to pool their individual successes, talents and resources into strong collective institutions to accelerate economic growth and development in the South-East.
Soludo made the call while speaking as Special Guest at the TEDxEnugu: Transcend Beyond Borders conference at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
He said that although Ndigbo had recorded significant successes as individuals across the world, the region needed stronger collective structures to translate such achievements into lasting economic influence.
“We are succeeding as individuals, but there is a collective vacuum. Our individual success does not lead to much until we unite collectively,” he said.
The governor challenged Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond family-owned businesses to larger corporate institutions capable of sustaining growth across generations.
“When are we going to go beyond ‘Okonkwo and Sons’ to ‘Enugu PLC’?” he asked.
Soludo, who noted that more than 50 per cent of the Igbo population lived outside the South-East, stressed the need for greater investment in the region and the development of economic opportunities at home.
He urged Ndigbo to focus on building viable businesses, developing talents and creating an environment that could produce millions of successful innovators and entrepreneurs.
The governor also advised young people to prioritise knowledge acquisition, relevant skills and strategic partnerships while adopting a pragmatic approach to engaging with Nigeria and the global economy.
He encouraged youths to participate in public service, describing it as a platform for making meaningful contributions to society.
“Public service is the greatest form of philanthropy,” he said.
Soludo expressed optimism that through collective enterprise, talent development and increased investment in their homeland, Ndigbo could strengthen the region’s economic prospects and position themselves to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The conference was held under the theme, “Transcend Beyond Borders: The Next Chapter in the Igbo Story”.
