…Unveils Vision For Unity, Culture, Youth Empowerment, Diaspora Connection*
…Says “One People, One Voice, One Future”
A new global community organization dedicated to the unity and advancement of Igbo people at home and in the diaspora has been unveiled.
The organization, known as the *Organization of Igbo Communities (OIC)*, says it was established to unite, organize, empower and promote the collective interests of Ndigbo worldwide.
In its inaugural introduction made available to *The Mirror Newspaper*, the OIC said it is built on the firm belief that a united people have a stronger voice, greater opportunities and a better future.
According to the organization, OIC brings together Igbo communities, families, professionals, youths, women, traditional leaders, community leaders and individuals under one organized platform.
*What OIC Stands For*
The organization outlined its core mandates to include unity of Ndigbo regardless of location, status, age or background; preservation and promotion of Igbo language, history, values, traditions and heritage; community development; youth and women empowerment through leadership, education and entrepreneurship; stronger connection between Ndigbo in Alaigbo, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora; and development of responsible and accountable community leadership.
The OIC also said it will provide an organized platform through which legitimate community concerns and aspirations of Ndi-Igbo can be discussed and advanced.
*What OIC Is Not*
The organization clarified that it is not a platform for personal insults, tribal hatred, religious division, violence or personal political vendettas.
“It is not established to promote individual interests above the collective good. Members are expected to uphold discipline, respect, unity, responsibility and peaceful community engagement,” the statement said.
*Membership And Vision*
The OIC said becoming a member means becoming part of a wider community of people committed to building a stronger, more united and prosperous Igbo future, where every member – youth, woman, professional, entrepreneur, student, elder or diaspora member – has a role to play.
“OIC envisions an Igbo society where our people are united, organized, culturally confident, economically empowered, socially responsible and actively connected across the world,” the organization stated.
It charged new members not to join merely to bear a title, but to embrace responsibility and service.
“You are not joining merely to carry a title or belong to another group. You are joining a movement that calls for responsibility and service. Learn the OIC vision, understand its principles, respect fellow members, participate actively, build your community and promote unity,” it said.
The group summed up its mission with the slogan: *OIC — ONE PEOPLE. ONE VOICE. ONE FUTURE. ALAIGBO FIRST.*
