Chief (Sir) Emeka Diwe, National President of the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU), has called for unity, reflection, and renewed focus on economic and socio-cultural growth in Igboland
In his 2024 Christmas message, Chief Diwe acknowledged the harsh economic realities of the past year while celebrating the enduring spirit of resilience among Ndigbo.
Chief Diwe expressed gratitude to God for enabling the community to witness another Christmas season.
Reflecting on the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, he pointed to the impact of subsidy removal and unified monetary policies, which he said have triggered an “astronomical rise in the cost of goods and services.”
Despite these challenges, he praised the “resilience, ingenuity, and die-hard nature” of the Igbo people for navigating these trying times with determination.
On behalf of ASITU, Chief Diwe commended Igbo people worldwide for upholding the community’s philosophies of onye aghala nwanne ya (“let no one abandon their sibling”) and onuru ube nwanne ya agbaala oso (“if you hear the distress of your sibling, come to their aid”).
He reaffirmed ASITU’s commitment to advocating for Igbo rights, including the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners of Igbo extraction, as well as revitalizing the economy of the South East,.
As the festive season sees many Igbos returning home, Chief Diwe encouraged local Igbo Town Unions to leverage this period to address critical issues.
He urged leaders at all levels to convene town hall meetings to discuss insecurity, community development, socio-cultural growth, and ASITU’s flagship Aku Ruo Ulo (Bring Wealth Home) investment initiative.
“The Aku Ruo Ulo initiative,” he explained, “is a call for Igbo investors, captains of industry, and entrepreneurs to repatriate part of their businesses back to Igbo land for socio-economic development.”
He also hinted at the upcoming release of his book, which provides an in-depth exploration of this investment strategy and its importance to Igbo economic progress.
Chief Diwe welcomed all Igbo people returning home for the festive period and invited them to join ASITU in driving the socio-economic and cultural advancement of Igbo communities.
“Together,” he said, “we can ensure that our land thrives and that our future generations inherit a prosperous and united Igbo nation.”
He concluded his message by extending warm wishes for a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
