A  non-governmental,  non-political, economic-driven movement aimed at transforming the Igbo ethnic nationality, Ohaigbo Community Development Initiative, OCDI (aka SEDAC)  has wooed Igbo kinsmen in the diaspora to think home for the development of communities in Igboland.

OCDI has also taken steps aimed at mobilizing 95 local government areas in the five states of South-East Zone  for the purpose of  achieving the lofty dream.

To this end, the ceremony witnessed the handover of OCDI’s flags and emblems to the five state coordinators In the  South-East Zone viz: Abia State – Rev Dr Triumph  Ndukwe;  Anambra State – Hon Omaram Chibuzor;

Ebonyi State – Hon Amb Chukwuemeka Uzoamaka;

Enugu State – Onah Joy Ukamaka and Imo State – Rev Onyema Onyechere.

This formed  part of the highlights of the OCDI  First National Executive Summit and “Unveiling of SEDAC Operational Pillars and 2026 – 2031 Strategic Roadmap” in Awka, Anambra State, with the  theme,, “Raising Grassroots Ambassadors From to Impact for Haven AlaIgbo.”

Speaking during the Summit,  the group’s  Visionary Leader, Comrade  David  Okwudiri urged Ndigbo in the diaspora “to form groups for mobilization and development of Ala Igbo,” stressing, “Together We Build, Together We Impact.”

Okwudiri who is the National President of OCDI  equally tasked the Coordinators to  deepen  its grassroots-oriented strategies for sustainable development of Igboland without waiting for federal government  assistance.

He  pointed out that”if we speak with one voice, no government can ignore us. Togetherness makes us to become a political force  that attracts partnership  projects and policies.”.

The Visionary Leader observed that South-East Zone is blessed with abundant human and material resources, which if well-harnessed would turn the region into an economic super power, noting, “we are moving from mobilization to industrialization.”

According to him, “We want to drive  long-term development and position  South-East Region as a Africa’s next investment hub ”

Okwudiri said OCDI is bringing together selfless leaders with passion and working directly at grassroots to complement government efforts  and empowerment communities from the bottom-up.

He reiterated  that the body would create an enabling environment for business and Innovation  ecosystem and private sector investment in the communities by upscaling skills of  youths and women  and launch South East  agricultural revolution  for food security vans agricultural empowerment as well as Industria creative economy for Small and Medium- Enterprises (SMEs), ICT, and creative talents in a bid to improve living standard.

Okwudiri charged the confirmed  coordinators of the  five states in the South-East Zone to sustain building membership, “because  when people are mobilized they stop being spectators, they  become stakeholders  This is how exactly nations  are built. This was exactly how Moses led the Israelites, not from the palace, but from the camp, tribe., family by family.”

Corroborating him. the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Precious  Chukwu observed that OCDI as a legal personality is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission.

The Legal Adviser of OCDI noted that  its foundational framework emphasizes regional development, unity, and communal welfare.

Noting that much can’t be a achieved in an atmosphere of lack of peace and security,, she hinted it has mapped out a collaboration interventionist  strategy with government for restoring peace and economic stability and community safety.

Speaking on behalf of the State Coordinators. Dr. Joy Ona  pointed out  the coordinators believe that the success of deepening the grassroots awareness of OCDI is dependent on them, assuring that they would ensure massive  mobilization of the indigenes to achieve the aims and objectives.

Ona said  that the Coordinators would create more awareness on the group”s core values, centred on preserving and projecting Igbo cultural heritage and values, promoting peace,  unity, long-term economic growth, infrastructural development and social cohesion among community members in the South-East zone.