The Igbo People in Diaspora (IPID), a global body dedicated to uniting Igbos for the advancement of their homeland, has called for renewed collaboration between diaspora communities and their counterparts at home to accelerate the socio-economic transformation of Igboland.
Speaking in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, the newly appointed Abia State Coordinator of IPID, Mr. Peter Ekeledo, emphasized that the movement is more than an association but a necessity for the survival and growth of the Igbo nation.
Founded over a decade ago by some global visionary leaders, IPID has championed initiatives that empower Igbos economically, socially, and educationally.
The organization re-energized its mission after the COVID-19 pandemic with a landmark summit in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, tagged the Igbo Youth Awareness Movement (IYAM). The event inspired a new wave of young Igbo entrepreneurs and professionals to pursue opportunities in business, education, and leadership.
Driving Development Through Collective Action,
Mr. Ekeledo outlined IPID’s core areas of focus to include:
Economic Empowerment: Providing funding, mentorship, and capacity-building for young entrepreneurs and small businesses, while also connecting Igbo products to global markets.
Education and Scholarships: Supporting underprivileged students through sponsorships, skills acquisition programs in ICT, agriculture, medicine, and engineering, and career mentorship from successful diaspora professionals.
Infrastructure and Community Development: Partnering on projects to improve healthcare, water supply, electricity, roads, and schools across Igbo communities.
Cultural Preservation and Unity: Promoting Igbo language, arts, and traditions while fostering unity among Igbos at home and abroad.
Crisis Response: Mobilizing relief efforts during disasters, health emergencies, or economic downturns.
Political and Leadership Mentorship: Grooming credible leaders, encouraging youth participation in governance, and strengthening Igbo representation globally.
A Call for Collective Participation:
The Abia State Coordinator stressed that the success of this vision depends on the commitment of all Igbos both at home and in the diaspora.
“The dream of turning Igboland into a hub of innovation, wealth, and opportunity will only be achieved if we work together. We are calling on businessmen, professionals, political leaders, students, and cultural icons to join hands with IPID in rebuilding our communities and empowering our youths,” Ekeledo said.
He urged every Igbo son and daughter to contribute actively by attending summits, providing mentorship, offering financial support, and promoting peace and cooperation within their communities.
IPID believes that with sustained collaboration, Igboland can emerge as a region of pride and prosperity, with a new generation of empowered youths driving innovation and development across Nigeria and beyond.
Peter Ekeledo
Abia State Coordinator, IPID
