Tony Icheku in Owerri
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard Doro, has invited Nigerians resident abroad to join the federal government in a strategic national partnership and play a central role in driving the nation’s economic and social development roadmap.
Dr. Doro made the declaration during the 17th Annual Mbaise USA Convention held in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, where he addressed an international audience of nearly 3,000 attendees both physically and online.
The minister who praised the diaspora community for its massive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and sustained commitment to grassroots economic empowerment, added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu considers the diaspora vital to achieving sustainable national growth.
He emphasised that the group’s core focus areas – healthcare, technology, skills acquisition, and poverty alleviation – align directly with the priority agenda of the federal government.
In his address to the Convention, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa, the National President of Mbaise USA, a non-profit organisation of Mbaise people in the US, explained that Mbaise USA is taking a structural approach to solving systemic challenges back home, including crumbling infrastructure, limited healthcare access, and poverty.
According to Aguwa, the group is transitioning beyond its traditional annual medical missions toward long-term infrastructure and has conceptualised the flagship multi-billion dollar Medville Medical City project, planned to be sited in Mbaise, Imo State, alongside plans for modern technology hubs, whose objectives are to prepare local youths for the evolving global digital economy while fostering self-reliance through vocational training
The five-day convention, themed ‘Building a Future-Ready Mbaise’, also drew strong backing from key political and social leaders, including Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and daughter of President Tinubu.
Speaking through her representative, Engr. Harry Omoigiawi, Dr. Tinubu-Ojo commended the leadership of Mbaise USA, headed by National President Ezeji Alozie Aguwa and described the people of Mbaise and the broader Igbo community as formidable intellectuals and entrepreneurs whose contributions to the nation’s progress are indispensable.
Reaffirming her commitment to youth and women’s empowerment through her NGO—which currently sponsors around 5,000 Nigerian students in tertiary institutions— Tinubu-Ojo pledged to collaborate with Mbaise USA on direct healthcare and community-level interventions.
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Also speaking at the convention, Dr. Emma Njoku, a prominent legal scholar and philanthropist, who led the project’s fundraising launch, urged well-meaning individuals and organisations to invest in the lifesaving enterprise. Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Victor Chilaka added that the diaspora’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for integrating quality healthcare into human development.
Echoing the collective call to action, President Emeritus of Mbaise USA, Chief Sunny Echendu and former Board Chairman Dr. Charles Iwejuo, urged community members to adopt a service-first mindset, focusing on what they can build for their homeland to make these ambitious projects a reality.
A core highlight of the five-day gathering was an intensive convention workshop featuring leading minds across finance, infrastructure, and technology: Fidelity Bank Executive Director Sir Stanley Amuchie and Critical Infrastructure expert Professor Dr. Ron Martins led panels on delivering digital transformation to rural Mbaise.
Seasoned banker Dr. Ken Opara outlined targeted investment vehicles, while renowned economist Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu detailed a strategic vision for establishing a N100 billion local development fund, while Dr. Alice Ukaegbu and Dr. Ihechi Aguwa led sessions dedicated to bolstering women-led enterprises; Mr. Chris Ohanele framed overall strategic development priorities; and Dr. Uzoma Nwachukwu delivered a masterclass on personal cybersecurity.
For youth engagement, Christian Onuoha delivered an inspiring address titled, ‘The Audacity to Own Your Space’, encouraging younger generations to take ownership of their future.
Speaking to journalists at the venue, the National Director of Media and Public Relations for Mbaise USA, Amb. Cliff Ayozie, noted that the annual convention serves as a crucial platform to evaluate ongoing projects, address developmental bottlenecks, and map out concrete solutions during its open Town Hall sessions.
Hosted by the Mbaise Progressive Union (MPU) Washington, D.C. chapter, the 2026 convention balanced serious policy discussions with vibrant cultural showcases, including specialised leadership talk shows, youth picnics, and traditional entertainment.