Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) to take a more active role in promoting economic development, youth empowerment and cultural renaissance across Igboland.
Aguocha made the call while addressing participants at AVID’s 2026 Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, where he challenged the organisation to leverage its international connections, professional expertise and available resources to drive meaningful development in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The federal lawmaker stressed that the Igbo diaspora possesses significant human and economic capital that could be channelled into strategic initiatives capable of transforming communities, creating employment opportunities and improving the living conditions of the people.
He identified education, technology, industrialisation, entrepreneurship and vocational training as critical areas requiring increased investment to tackle youth unemployment, reduce economic marginalisation and strengthen the region’s long-term development prospects.
According to him, a coordinated approach involving diaspora organisations, government institutions, private-sector operators and community leaders would help unlock the economic potential of Igboland and create sustainable opportunities for its growing population.
AGUOCHA ADVOCATES JUSTICE, INCLUSION AND PEACE IN THE SOUTH-EAST
Beyond economic development, Aguocha emphasised the importance of confronting historical grievances and addressing concerns surrounding justice, equity and political inclusion.
He maintained that lasting peace and stability in the South-East would require constructive engagement, mutual understanding and practical solutions to the challenges affecting the region.
The lawmaker encouraged AVID to use its international standing and influence to support initiatives that promote dialogue, strengthen democratic participation and advance the interests of the Igbo people through peaceful and lawful means.
He also called for stronger partnerships between the organisation and elected representatives, state and federal governments, diaspora professionals and grassroots stakeholders to ensure that development efforts respond to the actual needs of local communities.
YOUTH AND WOMEN PARTICIPATION CENTRAL TO IGBO DEVELOPMENT
Aguocha further highlighted the need to create greater opportunities for young people and women to participate in leadership, governance, entrepreneurship and community development.
He argued that sustainable progress would depend on the ability of the Igbo community to harness the talents, creativity and innovative capacity of its younger generation while ensuring that women have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decision-making and economic advancement.
He urged AVID to support practical programmes that equip young people with relevant skills, encourage technology-driven enterprises and provide pathways to productive employment.
Such initiatives, he noted, could help strengthen local industries, encourage innovation and position Igboland to compete more effectively in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
FROM ADVOCACY TO PRACTICAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
The federal lawmaker also underscored the importance of good governance, institutional accountability and responsible leadership in achieving sustainable development.
He urged AVID to move beyond advocacy by developing measurable programmes that translate its influence and resources into tangible benefits for communities across the South-East.
According to him, priority should be given to initiatives that generate employment, support small businesses, strengthen educational institutions, develop local infrastructure and improve access to economic opportunities.
He also stressed that effective collaboration and strategic planning would be essential to ensuring that development interventions produce lasting results rather than temporary gains.
Aguocha concluded with a call for unity, purposeful leadership and collective responsibility among Igbo people at home and abroad.
He maintained that building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Igboland requires a shared commitment from political leaders, diaspora organisations, business professionals, traditional institutions, youths and community stakeholders.
His message to AVID was a clear call for action: the Igbo diaspora should transform its global influence, professional knowledge and resources into practical development initiatives that improve lives and create a stronger future for the people.
The lawmaker’s appeal places renewed emphasis on the potential of diaspora partnerships to support economic transformation, promote social inclusion and advance the long-term aspirations of Igboland.
