The Ohaigbo Community Development Initiative (OCDI) has announced a 10-year strategic plan aimed at restoring and developing Igboland. The initiative, led by its National President, seeks to revive the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, which historically helped produce successful entrepreneurs. The plan, titled Vision 2027-2036, outlines a roadmap for community development and economic growth.
The OCDI emphasizes the role of the apprenticeship system in fostering self-reliance and business acumen. It highlights how this system once enabled individuals to rise from poverty to wealth. The initiative calls for the formalization of this practice to ensure its sustainability. The plan includes community-based projects, education reforms, and infrastructure development.
The apprenticeship system, known as "mbari" in Igbo culture, was a key factor in the region’s historical economic success. It involved hands-on learning under experienced mentors. The OCDI argues that modernizing this system could address current challenges such as youth unemployment and lack of skilled labor. The initiative also aims to promote cultural preservation while adapting to contemporary needs.
