By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Okpanam, Delta State – A historic convergence of Igbo youths under the umbrella of the Igbo Unification Movement (IUM), in collaboration with the Ndi Na Asu Bia Sociocultural Organization, has reaffirmed the collective resolve of the Igbo nation to stand united and pursue equitable development within Nigeria.
The gathering, which held on Friday, August 29, 2025, in the ancient city of Okpanam beside Asaba, brought together spirited delegations from the 13 contiguous states of Igbo indigeneity. Participants described the meeting as a turning point for deepening Igbo solidarity and charting a new course for national relevance.
In their communiqué, the groups:
- Reaffirmed Igbo Unity – They condemned forces that sponsor or encourage Igbo disunity, dismemberment, and landlocking, stressing that the survival of the nation rests on Igwebuike (strength in unity).
- Praised Senator Ned Nwoko –Delegates lauded Senator Nwoko’s sustained advocacy for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a strategic “equalization state” that would strengthen the Igbo nation within the Nigerian federation.
- Appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – The movement urged the President to end what they described as a “six-decade economic blockade” on Igbo coastal access, calling for the dredging, modernization, and reopening of eastern ports to unlock economic opportunities and spur regional development.
Resolutions
The meeting further resolved to:
- Appreciate the hospitality of the Anioma branch of the two organizations.
- Commend keynote speakers who stressed Igbo unity as indispensable for restructuring Nigeria.
- Stand in solidarity with other nationalities seeking a fairer and more equitable national order.
Declaring that “Igbo unity has come to stay,” the organizations vowed to continue working together under the principle of Igwebuike to advance the collective aspirations of their people.