The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has announced that its 2025 convention in Boston, USA, will focus on studying the economic and development models of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, former Premier of Nigeria’s Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966.
Dr. Okpara is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most development-oriented leaders during the First Republic, with his policies rooted in agricultural modernization, industrialization, cooperative development, and self-reliance.
Under his leadership, the Eastern Region was regarded as the fastest-growing economy in sub-Saharan Africa, marked by thriving farms, industries, and infrastructure until the Nigerian Civil War disrupted much of the progress.
Hon Basil Onwukwe, Vice President of WIC, explained that the group, founded in 1994, serves as a collective voice for Igbo people in the diaspora, promoting advocacy, cultural preservation, and development partnerships between Igbo communities abroad and at home.
The 2025 annual convention, scheduled for August 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Boston, will emphasize policy dialogue and grassroots initiatives, involving Igbo people globally along with other Africans, Nigerians, Caribbeans, and African-Americans.
The primary theme will be the economic reengineering of Southeast Nigeria, inspired by Dr. Okpara’s vision.
Onwukwe stressed that the time has come to overcome economic and political obstacles faced by the Igbo and capitalize on their global talents for the socioeconomic transformation of their homeland.
Efforts will include the capitalization of the Igbo Credit Union Bank and exploring financial and political power to advance Igbo communities.
Dr. Festus Okere, WIC Chairman of the Board of Directors, along with other leaders, are rallying support for this significant convention aiming to revitalize the developmental legacy of Dr. Michael Okpara.
