Our Reporter, New York
The World Igbo Congress (WIC) is on course to establish an Igbo Federal Credit Union in the United States. At its convention held penultimate weekend at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy, Massachusetts, the diaspora advocacy group successfully raised the seed money required to register the bank.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Gaius Chibueze, CEO of Voice of the East Radio and TV in Enugu, urged young Igbo men and women born abroad to actively participate in WIC’s activities.
“We are planting this (bank) for your own good,” he said. “Don’t just say it is for old people. Get involved.”
He further appealed to Igbo parents to encourage their children’s involvement.
“We are individually rich but collectively poor,” the Bitcoin trader noted, before donating $10,000 in support of the fundraising, with a promise to contribute more when the credit union begins its membership drive.
Mr. Basil Onwukwe, Vice Chairman of the Igbo Organization of New England, the host branch in Massachusetts, said the convention surpassed expectations.
“The turnout and the initial donations for the credit union capitalization exceeded what we anticipated,” he stated.
In a communiqué issued at the close of the convention, WIC reaffirmed its commitment to the bank, describing it as a cornerstone for economic self-determination and wealth creation.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and urged the Federal Government to declare May 30th a national holiday in memory of the victims of the Nigeria–Biafra War, “as a step toward truth, reconciliation, and healing.”
Addressing the growing problem of Igbophobia in Nigeria and abroad, the communiqué—signed by WIC Chairman, Dr. Festus Okere, and Secretary General, Sir Chris Ogara—expressed grave concern over the trend.
“The rising tide of Igbophobia, manifesting in hate speech, destruction of property, targeted violence, and marginalization both within and outside Nigeria, is alarming,” WIC said.
It urged governments, civil society, and international partners to combat discrimination against Ndi Igbo and to uphold the rights of all Nigerians.
Another major resolution was the approval of a Cenotaph and Monumental Park in Alaigbo to honor the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigeria–Biafra War.
“This memorial will serve as a lasting symbol of resilience, a reminder of the sacrifices made, and an educational marker for future generations,” WIC noted.
The organization also issued a stern warning to certain Igbo leaders it described as “Uncle Toms” and “Igbo Political Judases,” accusing them of mortgaging the collective destiny of Ndi Igbo for personal gain. It urged the people to reject such individuals, describing them as “cancers to Igbo survival.”
