Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has called on Ndigbo to focus on turning their ideas into economic, cultural, and political gains. He made this statement while delivering a lecture titled, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo,” at the Igbo Day celebration in Umuahia. Moghalu, who chaired the committee that produced the Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development, emphasized the need for concrete steps to implement the Charter.
Moghalu criticized the habit of producing excellent reports that are never implemented, describing Nigeria as a “cemetery of excellent reports.” He warned that the Igbo Charter would become another abandoned document unless proper funding, clear responsibilities, measurable targets, and accountability are put in place. The Charter, he stressed, must move from “the shelf” to action.
The former CBN Deputy Governor identified four immediate priorities for implementation: promoting the Igbo language, creating an Igbo digital marketplace, establishing a global diaspora register, and developing a credible security and investment framework. He urged the five South-East Houses of Assembly to support Igbo-language teaching in schools and called on Igbo communities abroad to establish structured language programmes.
Moghalu proposed a digital marketplace and certified apprenticeship system to organize the region’s trading and entrepreneurial activities. He also emphasized the need for accurate information about Ndigbo worldwide, saying, “You cannot mobilise an asset you have not counted.” This, he believes, is crucial for mobilizing resources and skills.
Insecurity, Moghalu noted, is a major obstacle to development, and called for neighbourhood watch systems, early-warning networks, and a credible regional security framework. He described insecurity as “the veto on development.” Moghalu also warned against allowing past grievances to determine the future, urging Ndigbo to focus on agency rather than victimhood.
Moghalu cautioned against allowing political parties to take ownership of the Charter, saying it would die if it becomes the property of one party or individual. He called for restructuring, devolution of powers, and greater economic and security autonomy, describing them as national issues rather than demands exclusive to Ndigbo. He also urged Ndigbo to practise meritocracy within their own communities.
To ensure implementation of the Charter, Moghalu proposed a professional implementation council, supported by a secretariat and quarterly performance reviews. He emphasized the need for baselines, targets, and dates for each priority, as well as independent reviews. The event was hosted by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including Senator John Azuta-Mbata and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Key points
- Moghalu urges Ndigbo to implement the Igbo Charter for Development.
- He proposes a digital marketplace and certified apprenticeship system.
- Moghalu emphasizes the need for meritocracy and agency within Ndigbo communities.
