The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) held its annual convention from October 11th to 13th, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a strong focus on the security challenges in Southeastern Nigeria. AVID, a non-profit organization comprising Igbo Americans who have served in various branches of the U.S. military, used this year’s event to address critical issues affecting their homeland.
Under the theme “Stand Up for Your People,” the convention gathered influential stakeholders, including military personnel, veterans, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from the North Carolina Governor’s office. The gathering provided a platform for discussions on strategies to tackle the rising insecurity plaguing Igboland and other regions of Nigeria.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, widow of Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, was the special guest of honor. In her address, she stressed the importance of unity and collaboration within the Igbo diaspora to preserve their cultural identity and heritage. Ojukwu emphasized the growing security concerns in the Southeast, urging the five state governors in the region to work together to address the escalating violence.
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“The incessant killings, kidnappings, and the encroachment of farmland by armed herdsmen and other invaders have had devastating impacts on agriculture, the economy, and social life in Igbo communities,” Ojukwu stated. She warned that these security threats pose a significant risk to the survival of Igboland’s people and culture.
The convention further amplified the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged detention has become a focal point for advocacy within the Igbo community. Ojukwu joined voices demanding his immediate release, highlighting the need for dialogue and peace in resolving the crises affecting the Southeast.
