When I was asked to help organise a summit by the Governors of the South East as they were concerned about the general state of insecurity across Nigeria and particularly in the SE zone, I was heartened by their resolve to bring together all stakeholders to proffer practical, actionable solutions for the peace and progress of the region. I was further encouraged that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was also part of this initiative.

I felt honoured to have been asked to put together the summit. And although it was clear that it was going to be a daunting task, I still accepted because like other sons and daughters of Igboland, I was deeply concerned about the state of affairs in the region. I also knew that most well-meaning sons and daughters of Igboland would have no problem keying into such a project to help restore normalcy in this unspoilt, pristine part of Nigeria.

The summit seeks solutions to the myriad security and economic challenges facing the people of South East Nigeria with clear paths out of the woods.
Our dream for our land is great; our vision clear. We dream of a land that is an economic powerhouse in Africa, bustling with our enterprising, energetic, and enthusiastic youths. The Governors of the South East understand fully well that if we must have this dream turn reality, all brains must be at work and all hands on deck in achieving the mission. They know that until Security and peace are restored, the South East of our dream cannot manifest.

Therefore, we must pursue the restoration of Security and peace in the South East with single-minded determination and focus and we must do so with a sense of togetherness as one people.

Now is the time for all of us, old and young, men and women, within and outside the South East to come together and reason and plot our way out of this crisis. We must not war among ourselves, but come together to build our homeland as well as prosper in the larger entity, Nigeria.

This is the reason for this Summit whose maiden theme is “South East Beyond 2023: Time for a Reset”. For me, it goes beyond just a reset. It is an OWNERSHIP SUMMIT – a gathering of all stakeholders young and old, the Governors and the governed, those at home and those abroad, to take ownership of our land, say no to all enemies of our progress and then chart a course for a greater future.

We are Ndi Igbo – a hardworking, proud people. We have all that it takes to build the South East of our collective dreams, and secure the future of our children.