Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged Ndigbo to move beyond individual achievements and build strong collective business institutions capable of driving sustainable economic growth in the South-East.
Soludo said the region could achieve greater economic influence if successful Igbo entrepreneurs pooled their talents, resources and expertise to establish large corporations capable of surviving across generations.
The governor made the call while speaking as Special Guest at the TEDxEnugu: Transcend Beyond Borders conference held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
He lamented that despite the remarkable achievements of Igbo people across the world, the region had yet to fully translate individual successes into strong collective economic structures.
“We are succeeding as individuals, but there is a collective vacuum. Our individual success does not lead to much until we unite collectively,” he said.
Soludo challenged Igbo entrepreneurs to expand beyond family-owned businesses and establish corporate institutions capable of competing globally and creating lasting economic opportunities.
“When are we going to go beyond ‘Okonkwo and Sons’ to ‘Enugu PLC’?” he asked.
The governor, who noted that more than 50 per cent of the Igbo population lived outside the South-East, called for increased investment in the region to stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for people at home.
He stressed the need to develop an environment that would encourage entrepreneurship, nurture talents and enable millions of young people to become successful innovators and business owners.
Soludo also advised young people to prioritise knowledge acquisition, relevant skills and strategic partnerships, urging them to adopt a practical approach to engaging with Nigeria’s economy and the global marketplace.
He encouraged youths to participate actively in public service, describing it as an avenue for contributing to societal development.
“Public service is the greatest form of philanthropy,” he said.
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The governor expressed optimism that stronger business institutions, investment in human capital and increased economic activities in the South-East would improve the region’s economic prospects and enable Ndigbo to compete more effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.
The conference was held under the theme, “Transcend Beyond Borders: The Next Chapter in the Igbo Story.”
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