The Hon. Speaker of the Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, has called on South-East governors to prioritize the security of lives and properties and place human capital development above personal interests and partisan politics.
In a statement issued to mark this year’s Igbo Day celebration, Nwajiofor described the day as a reminder of the shared heritage, resilience, and industrious spirit of Ndigbo, urging leaders at all levels to focus on transformational governance.
Nwajiofor appealed to the Federal Government to adopt a political solution, in the case of Namdi Kanu, especially in light of reports about his deteriorating health. He said Kanu’s release through dialogue and reconciliation would douse tensions in the South-East and foster peace across Nigeria.
He urged the Igbo youth to rise above secessionist tendencies and embrace unity, noting that while secession would divide, unity would empower the Igbo nation. The complete text reads:
“On behalf of the Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), I extend warm greetings to all Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora as we mark this year’s Igbo Day. This day is not just a date on the calendar, but a solemn reminder of our shared heritage, identity, resilience, industrious spirit, and the values that make us who we are – a people of dignity, enterprise, hospitality, and indomitable spirit.
“As we reflect on the state of our beloved Ala Igbo, I call on our State Governors to place the security of lives and properties of our people above personal interests and partisan politics. A secure environment is the foundation of development; our safety must be treated as a sacred duty. Beyond this, our governors must prioritize human capital development by investing in education, skill acquisition, technology, and entrepreneurship. For a people known for ingenuity, the greatest gift to our youth is the opportunity to learn, trade, innovate, thrive, and lead.
“I equally wish to remind all our political leaders and appointees that their mandate is first and foremost to serve our people. The politics of self-interest and division has no place in the future we must build together. The overall development of Ala Igbo should be our guiding light in every policy, project, and decision. Ndigbo yearn for transformational leadership, not politics of division or self-interest.
“At this historic moment, we humbly appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria to demonstrate empathetic leadership and compassion by embracing a political solution in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. His continued incarceration, especially as reports indicate a decline in his health, remains a source of tension. His release, through dialogue and reconciliation, will not only douse tensions in the region but also go a long way in healing wounds and fostering peace not only in the South-East but across Nigeria.
“Finally, I urge every Igbo son and daughter, especially the youth, to rise above secessionist sentiments and embrace unity. Secession will divide us, but unity will empower us. Let us build a strong, prosperous Ala Igbo within a united Nigeria, where our collective strength and industry can shine as a light to the world. The strength of Ndigbo lies in our unity, industry, and collective determination to thrive wherever we find ourselves.
“As the Igbo proverb says: ‘Igwe bu ike’ – our strength is in unity. Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to the ideals of peace, progress, and brotherhood. Together, we can shape a future that honours our ancestors, uplifts our generation, secures the destiny of those yet unborn, and makes Ala Igbo great again!
“May Chukwu Okike Abiama guide, protect, and prosper us all!
“Happy Igbo Day to all Ndigbo.”
