The Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), the umbrella body of Igbo communities across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has thrown its weight behind the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo while decrying the rising wave of insecurity in Igboland and other parts of Nigeria.
The group also called on Igbo entrepreneurs to channel investments to their homeland to drive economic growth and job creation.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by Chief Kenneth Okeugo, JP, President-General of the Igbo Delegates Assembly and issued at the end of the IDA’s second quarterly meeting for 2025, held on June 26th and 27th at Abedini Hotel, ACO Estate, Airport Road, Abuja. The meeting was attended by leaders and representatives of various Igbo communities in Northern Nigeria.
Endorsement of Ohanaeze Leadership
The IDA reaffirmed its full affiliation to Ohanaeze Ndigbo and applauded the apex body’s direction under Senator John Azuta Mbata’s leadership.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is progressing in the right direction. We urge them to continue articulating a pathway for Ndigbo through strategic consultations, reconciliations, and bridge-building as exemplified by the just-concluded Ohanaeze retreat,” the communiqué stated.
Condemnation of Herdsmen Attacks
The Assembly strongly condemned the killings in Igboland and other parts of the country by killer herdsmen, describing the acts as barbaric.
“We frown on the heinous killings of harmless citizens in their towns and villages without adequate response from agencies charged with protecting lives and property,” the communiqué read.
The IDA called on governors of Igbo states and security agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
Sympathies on Recent Tragedies
The Assembly extended its sympathies to victims of the Mokwa flood disaster in Niger State and the recent mass killings in Yelewata, Benue State.
“We urge the government to take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the IDA said.
Call for Homeward Investments
IDA urged Igbo investors to diversify their businesses and industrial ventures to the Southeast to foster job creation and regional development.
“Igbo investors must deliberately diversify their investments to our homeland to create jobs for our youths and stimulate development,” the group emphasized.
Rejection of Lagos Demolition
The Assembly condemned the demolition of property belonging to Ndibe Obi in Lagos, describing it as a case of political victimization.
“We view this as part of a policy of political victimization of Igbos in Lagos. Such actions discourage investment, and we call on the Lagos State government to halt this trend and protect Igbo interests,” the communiqué urged.
Commendation for Security Efforts
IDA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for improved security in the Southeast, particularly against the activities of so-called unknown gunmen.
“We salute the President’s courage in improving security and urge further empowerment of security agencies to ensure total victory over these threats,” the statement said.
Appeal for Peaceful Coexistence
The IDA called on Igbos residing in Northern Nigeria to continue being ambassadors of peace, unity, and entrepreneurship in their host communities to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
