By Dennis Agbo

The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has called on Ndigbo, both at home and in the Diaspora, to overcome challenges from the past year and focus on a more productive and eventful 2026.

In a New Year message from the WIC Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sir Festus Okere, the organisation expressed concern over the demolition of Igbo properties in parts of Nigeria and the continued marginalisation of Ndigbo.

Okere highlighted the imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, as a pivotal event in 2025 that exemplified the growing impunity against Ndigbo in the country.

He urged Igbo people in the Diaspora to preserve their cultural identity and professional excellence, collectively working to redefine the Igbo identity and take ownership of their destiny.

“Ask yourself what you can do for the good of Ndigbo. It is not shameful to do little, but it is shameful to do nothing. No more outsider mentality in lamenting our problems or maltreatment by others. Let us work together for our emancipation and freedom,” Okere said.

He called for the reorientation of Igbo culture and the revival of initiatives that have historically advanced Ndigbo, including re-engineering apprenticeship and entrepreneurial ingenuity for progress.

Okere also urged adherence to the Council of Clergymen in the South-East proclamation designating the last Sunday of January as the Igbo Day of Thanksgiving and Adoration, to thank God for the past year and seek wisdom, unity, peace, and protection for the Igbo people.

“The new year presents a pivotal opportunity for us to reclaim and revitalise Alaigbo, where everyone will be welcomed. A diaspora meeting of Igbo leaders and compatriots will determine a united purpose, ensuring that our actions speak louder than our words this time,” he said.

The WIC Deputy Vice Chairman, Hon. Basil Onwukwe, said the Chairman’s message has set the tone for the year’s initiatives for Alaigbo and reinforced the Igbo collective ethos of “onye aghala nwanne ya.”

He urged Ndigbo to rekindle the Igbo spirit, strengthen unity, and present a strong collective front, noting that the call is especially timely given rising threats aimed at erasing Igbo presence and influence.