http://igbodefender.com/2011/08/21/how-igboland-can-achieve-first-world-status/

Posted on 21/08/2011 by Prince Charles Oforkaja Share
Through their energetic enterprise, Igbos can make Igboland Africa's first developed region, and a catalyst for the development of other parts of Africa. The development agenda for Igboland should take a multi-speed approach, comprising of:

1. A Central Development Movement (CDM), driven by all Igbo governments, institutions and individuals.

2. Independent Development Movements (IDMs), driven by the visions and efforts of dedicated entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

THE CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT

The CDM should have the following characteristics:

A. It should be geared towards the emergence of Igboland as an integrated economic power-house.

B. It should be driven by a 'consortium' comprising of four estates, namely:

I. The state governments
II. The market
III. The body politic (individuals who feel they have an input to make)
IV. Committed Igbo organisations

C. The consortium should create/enhance hubs according to the critical mass each hub posseses in a particular sector of the economy, with a view to creating a powerhouse that is based on division of labour and comparative advantage.

PRELIMINARY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CENTRAL PLAN

Onitsha should be the market town; Nnewi and Aba should be the industrial estates; Enugu should be the political centre, as well as the power generating centre (coal); Owerri should be the tourist zone. Asaba should be the airport that services Onitsha; Adani should be the rice farm; Port Harcourt and Bonny should be the seaports; Oguta should be the marina; many parts of the rural areas should be palm tree plantations. This list is not yet complete. Therefore,Igbodefender.com calls for more input to beef it up.

THE INDEPENDENT MOVEMENTS

These are economic or social investments made by entrepreneurs and philanthropists, with the simple aim of spurring the emergence of several independent economic champions within Igboland. It is based on what we call the "Athan Achonu Model", where someone makes an investment with social returns as the primary expectation, rather than profit. Athan Achonu is an international property investor, who decided to build a five star hotel in Owerri, in other to boost tourism and employment there. Someone could set up a university, another a factory, another a Harrods style shopping mall; someone could tar a road, another could set up a WiFi zone. What matters here is that the person is developing the infrastructure or the local economy of Igboland with a relatively altruistic mindset.

For the success of this movement a concerted effort should be made by Igbo governments, institutions and philanthropists to encourage Igbos to invest more at home. Charity should also touch home.

Government should also provide an enabling environment, by giving out more incentives and enhancing security.

Igbodefender is not saying Ndigbo should not invest outside Igboland. We are simply saying Igbos should make Igboland a FIRST WORLD REGION, even as they invest outside. It is within their power to become a first world region. We offer ourselves as a think tank and consultancy that can guide the process.

If you can move Igboland forward, either through the central plan or through an independent plan, feel free to contact us for advice. Our phone number (sms only) can be gotten in our contact page.

© Igbodefender.com 2011

Well said.But is this possible in the present day Nigeria. I think Nigeria is pulling everyone back.

If Igbos can build (not assemble) cars, why can't they make their region first world?