The Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, and leader of the Igbo diaspora worldwide, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has reaffirmed the strategic role of the Igbo community abroad in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Dr. Anakwenze, a respected United States-based medical practitioner and founder of a leading healthcare network employing over 5,000 professionals, revealed that Igbos in the diaspora collectively remit over $60 billion to Nigeria every year. According to him, these contributions have a transformative impact on the South East and the nation at large.
“Our people abroad are deeply committed to the progress of Nigeria. Beyond remittances, we are constantly investing in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in our communities. What we seek is an enabling environment and visionary leadership to fully unlock Nigeria’s potential,” Dr. Anakwenze said.
He cited ongoing efforts by Abagana indigenes in the United States who recently raised more than $100,000 to rehabilitate the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) outpost in the community. He emphasized that such initiatives reflect the diaspora’s willingness to complement government’s role in nation-building.
Dr. Anakwenze, however, stressed that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of resources or talent, but poor governance and misplaced priorities.
“Nigeria is blessed with everything needed to emerge as a world power, yet poor leadership continues to hold us back. We must shift from being a consumption-driven economy to one that prioritizes production, innovation, and inclusive growth,” he noted.
He called for greater recognition of the Igbo community in Nigeria’s political and economic frameworks, highlighting their entrepreneurial strength and global competitiveness.
“Igbos have the creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial energy to match global powers in manufacturing and innovation. From Aba to Onitsha to Nnewi, our people are already producing. Nigeria must harness this energy to drive real growth and prosperity,” he added.
Dr. Anakwenze reaffirmed his belief that with the right leadership and inclusive policies, Nigeria can take its rightful place among the leading economies of the world.
