Chief Ifeyinwa Ezenwa Charts a Bold Path for Igbo Unity and Political Relevance at the Igbo Agenda Dialogue
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In a stirring and uncompromising address, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa, popularly known as Ijele Nwanyị Igbo Nile and Chairperson of the South East Patriot Advocacy Committee, has called on Igbo leaders and stakeholders to rise above division and forge a united front for the future of the Igbo Nation in Nigeria.
Her speech, delivered at the highly anticipated “Igbo Agenda Dialogue,” in Abuja on Wednesday marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about Igbo political strategy and national inclusion.
“This meeting is timely, compelling, and necessary,” Chief Ezenwa began, addressing a hall filled with distinguished leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society advocates. “The future of Ndigbo in Nigeria cannot be left to chance or divided voices. We are here not as members of different political parties, but as sons and daughters of one great people—the Igbo Nation.”
Her message was clear: unity is not optional. “For too long, our strength has been weakened by division,” she declared. “We must rise above party lines, personal interests, and narrow sentiments to forge a united Igbo agenda. No ethnic group succeeds with scattered voices; only a common, deliberate, and unshakable front will give us the relevance and respect we deserve in Nigeria.”
Chief Ezenwa emphasized the immense potential of the Igbo people, noting their dominance in trade, industry, and entrepreneurship. “God has blessed Ndigbo with population, creativity, commerce, and innovation. Yet, these blessings remain underutilized politically,” she said. “The time has come to align our economic power with political influence.”
A major highlight of her presentation was her endorsement of the proposed rotational presidency enshrined in the new constitutional reform process. “One of the key recommendations is rotational presidency across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and stability in our democracy,” she explained. “This is especially important to Ndigbo, because the South has three zones, and without rotation enshrined in the constitution, we may continue to be excluded from national leadership.”
She urged Igbo leaders to champion the push for a people’s constitution that institutionalizes rotational presidency. “It will correct long-standing injustices and ensure that the presidency truly goes round the country,” she said. “This is not just about political power, it is about justice, balance, and giving every Nigerian a sense of belonging.”
To ensure continuity and strategic planning, Chief Ezenwa proposed the establishment of a permanent Igbo Political Council or Think-Tank. “We cannot afford to be reactionary anymore; we must become proactive, strategic, and united,” she asserted.
Inclusivity was another cornerstone of her message. “Our agenda must include all voices—women, youths, diaspora, traders, professionals, and traditional institutions,” she said. “The future belongs to the younger generation, and we owe them deliberate mentoring and preparation for leadership. We must also tap into the energy and resources of our people in the diaspora.”
She laid out a comprehensive vision for the Igbo Agenda Charter, touching on restructuring, true federalism, economic empowerment, security, and unity. “We must also remember that Ndigbo cannot succeed in isolation,” she added. “We need strong alliances with other nationalities, building bridges across Nigeria to ensure our agenda is not only heard but supported.”
In her closing remarks, Chief Ezenwa issued a powerful call to action. “We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to provide guidance, vision, and unity. Let us leave this hall today with not just speeches, but a renewed determination to institutionalize the Igbo Agenda and reposition our people in the politics and development of Nigeria.”
Her final words echoed with conviction: “Ndigbo has no excuse to be irrelevant. Our time to act is now.”
The Igbo Agenda Dialogue, convened by Chief Chekwas Okorie, brought together a cross-section of Igbo leadership and is expected to serve as a springboard for sustained advocacy and strategic planning in the months ahead. With voices like Chief Ezenwa’s leading the charge, the call for unity and political relevance among Ndigbo has never been louder—or more urgent.
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