Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Technology Entrepreneur and Investor, Mr Collins Onuegbu, has urged Igbos to embrace technology and innovation to transform the South-East.
Onuegbu, made the call at the weekend during the April 2025 Special Edition of “Nkàtá Ụ́mụ̀ Íbè-the Distinguished Speakers’ Series,” organised by the Centre for Memories, Enugu.
Nkàtá Ụ́mụ̀ Íbè” is a monthly speaker series organised by the Centre For Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo.
The series aims to bring together thought leaders and change-makers to discuss and share insights on important issues.
The event was held in honour of the late advocate of human rights, justice and development, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, with the theme: “Onye Ma Echi: “Rethinking Igbo Competitiveness in a Digital Age.”
Onuegbu, who is the chairman of Signal Alliance Technology Holdings (SATH), Lagos, emphasised the need for Ndigbo to harness technology, creativity, and strategic innovation to shape their destiny.
Evaluating economic standing of Ndigbo within Nigeria, the tech expert called for urgent need for Igbos to embrace science and technology, which he said, was the engine for progress in the 21st century.
Also reflecting on history, Onuegbu noted that South-East missed the first three industrial revolutions, largely due to the lasting impacts of the Nigerian Civil War.
According to him, the fourth Industrial Revolution, powered by Artificial Intelligence, presents a rare and timely opportunity for Igbos to thrive.
“We have come to an era where the human race will depend heavily on machines.
“This fourth industrial revolution is an opportunity for Ndigbo having lost the past 50 years because of the war,” Onuegbu said.
He also examined shifting global dynamics, including the growing influence of Asia, and how these changes affect Igbo competitiveness on a global scale.
The Tech expert, who identified the innate entrepreneurial spirit of the people of South-East as a key advantage also stressed the need to build a solid foundation fully leveraging on their potentials.
Onuegbu explained that Igbos could be a start-up nation like Israel who with a limited natural resources, became a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
He identifed insecurity as the pressing issue of the region that posed as a barrier to homecoming of Igbo people and investment.
“The number one concern of Ndịgbo in diaspora is security.
“This is non-negotiable. We must come home to develop our region, but we must tackle security to motivate those who want to come home,” he advised.
He, however, reiterated the enduring Igbo value of investing in one’s homeland and called for greater participation from successful entrepreneurs and professionals in shaping the region’s economic future.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mr Iheanyi Igboko, said the event was made possible through the support of the Ford Foundation as part of its focus on enhancing inclusion across Igboland.
He said the Centre was a cultural and historical institution committed to documenting, preserving, and promoting Igbo history, identity, and excellence.
“Through programmes like “Nkata Umụ Ibe” the centre fosters intergenerational conversations that inspire knowledge sharing, innovation, and collective action,” Igboko said.
