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ABUJA — The Federal Capital Territory chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has unveiled an ambitious economic empowerment agenda anchored on housing development, cooperative financing and cultural integration, including plans to host its maiden Housing and Economic Summit in Abuja.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT, Hon. Chief Andrew Ugwu, disclosed the initiative during a press briefing in Abuja where he outlined the organisation’s programme of activities for the remainder of 2026.

According to him, the planned summit is scheduled to hold in the first week of December 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders across government, finance, real estate and investment sectors.

Ugwu explained that the forum will serve as a strategic platform for addressing economic and housing challenges confronting members of the Igbo community in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “The summit will bring together policymakers, financial institutions, real estate developers, investors and key stakeholders to explore solutions to economic and housing challenges facing members of the community.”

He further stated that key discussions at the summit would focus on investment opportunities, mortgage access, diaspora housing schemes and sustainable urban development models.

“Our goal is to ensure that no Igbo man or woman in the FCT is without a pathway to home ownership or economic dignity,” Ugwu declared.

The Ohanaeze leader added that the initiative is designed to promote wealth creation and long-term financial stability among Ndigbo residing in Abuja and beyond.

“We are creating pathways to economic prosperity and home ownership for Ndigbo resident in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

Ugwu also announced plans for the formal unveiling of the Ohanaeze Cooperative Society during the 2026 Igbo Day celebration scheduled for September 29, describing it as a major step toward structured economic empowerment.

He said: “The cooperative society would serve as an economic platform to mobilise resources, provide accessible credit facilities and support investments in agriculture, trade, real estate and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).”

According to him, the cooperative represents a shift from symbolic cultural engagement to practical economic development.

“The cooperative embodies our resolve to move from cultural celebration to tangible economic empowerment for every Igbo son and daughter in the FCT,” he added.

Ugwu also noted that the annual Igbo Day celebration would go beyond cultural display to include exhibitions, traditional performances and intellectual discussions aimed at strengthening unity among Ndigbo.

“The annual Igbo Day celebration would showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people through traditional music, dance, cuisine, arts, exhibitions and discussions centred on unity and community development,” he said.

To ensure effective implementation of the planned activities, Ugwu inaugurated a project committee chaired by Hon. Mrs. Ginika Tor, with Chief Favour Odeta serving as secretary.

He also called for broad-based participation, stating: “All sons and daughters of Ndigbo resident in the FCT, Southeast Nigeria, and the diaspora, as well as friends and well-wishers are invited to support and participate in these initiatives.”

Ugwu further urged corporate organisations, government agencies and the media to support the programmes, describing them as “strategic interventions designed to preserve cultural identity while promoting economic growth, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.”

Responding on behalf of the committee, Hon. Mrs. Ginika Tor expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged commitment to delivering a successful outing.

She said: “We’re prioritising South-East indigenes, but the benefits will extend to other FCT residents.”

Also speaking, Chief Favour Odeta, who will serve as Project Secretary, alongside committee member Mrs. Becky Okoroafor, reaffirmed their readiness to contribute to the success of the initiatives, describing the programme as a collective effort to advance the welfare of Ndigbo in Abuja.