(Photo credit: Emeka Esogbue (Pen Master) Blog
Prof. Austin Uwandulu, a distinguished son of Anioma and an influential figure in strategic governance, continues to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. As the visionary founder of the Chartered Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (CISMN), Prof. Uwandulu has elevated the importance of strategic management in Nigeria, creating pathways for sustainable development and informed governance. His efforts led to the establishment of the CISMN (Establishment) Act, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s journey toward institutionalized, strategic decision-making in both public and private sectors.
As the Akwukwu-Igbo community prepares to host its much-anticipated Economic Development Summit, Prof. Uwandulu has voiced his support for the initiative, viewing it as a vital step toward achieving prosperity for Akwukwu-Igbo and its people. A proud son of Anioma himself, he sees in this summit an opportunity to mobilize the community’s resources, set strategic priorities, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth. Embracing the event’s goals, he called on divine guidance for the success of the summit, praying that the people of Akwukwu-Igbo may realize these much-needed objectives.
During an interaction with the Summit’s media team and organizers, Prof. Uwandulu emphasized the critical need for a cohesive and comprehensive master plan for Akwukwu-Igbo. He outlined a framework consisting of five interconnected subunits, each designed to address distinct facets of the community’s development:
1. Economic Subunit: Focuses on economic growth through local enterprise, job creation, and sustainable business practices.
2. Political Subunit: Envisions inclusive and transparent governance structures that enable civic engagement and accountability.
3. Socio-cultural Subunit: Aims to preserve Akwukwu-Igbo’s cultural heritage while fostering unity and social cohesion.
4. Human Resources and Technology Subunit: Invests in education, skill-building, and technological advancements to empower the community.
5. Natural Environment and Geography Subunit: Focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources to protect and maintain ecological balance.
Central to this framework is what Prof. Uwandulu describes as an **Akwukwu Aspiration** – a long-term vision of what the community can and should aspire to over the next 50 years. He recommends that this overarching vision be broken down into periodic, five-year societal goals that allow for steady, achievable progress. In doing so, he suggests that Akwukwu-Igbo can reach its ultimate goals step-by-step while adjusting strategies along the way to respond to emerging needs. Prof. Uwandulu underscores the importance of establishing an economic mission within this master plan, as a driver for sustainable growth and one of the foundational pillars of development.
Prof. Uwandulu’s proposal is a call to action, stressing that Akwukwu-Igbo must avoid pitfalls that have hindered similar initiatives in other communities. Without a comprehensive master plan, he warns, any progress made will risk being fragmented, unsustainable, or short-lived. His message also serves as a caution against allowing political agendas to interfere with the community’s development, a common issue that he says has frequently derailed projects at both local and national levels.
In closing, Prof. Uwandulu made an earnest appeal to his Akwukwu-Igbo brothers and sisters, urging them to adopt a long-term perspective at the upcoming summit. By embedding this strategic vision into their framework, he believes that the community can work toward sustainable growth, economic resilience, and a vibrant, thriving society. Prof. Uwandulu sees the Economic Development Summit vision for Akwukwu-Igbo as ambitious as it is inspiring, underscoring the importance of commitment, foresight, and unity in building a future that generations to come can proudly inherit.
