Other Organs of the Congress

The Secretariat: There shall be a Secretariat of the World Igbo Congress charged with responsibility for the administrative and executive functions of the Congress. The Secretariat shall have authority and responsibility for the following:

1. Carrying out all policies established by the Board of Directors and advising on the formation of these
2. Working with the Executive Council and the Chairperson in implementing the Congress’ plans.
3. Preparing an annual budget, in conjunction with the Financial Secretary, showing the expected revenue and expenditures as required by the House of Delegates, Board of Directors and/or the Finance
4. Developing grant proposals and applying for grants and to other sources to fund Congress’
5. Administering all funds and other revenue sources available to the Congress, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
6. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, selecting, employing, controlling, and discharging employees of the Congress (if any) and developing and maintaining personnel policies and procedures for the Congress.
7. Supervising the preparation of and presentation to the Board of Directors, or its authorized Committee, periodic reports reflecting the activities of the Congress and such special reports as may be required by the House of Delegates, Board of Directors, or the Chairperson of the Congress
8. Serving as the liaison to the member organizations, and other governmental and corporate entities and compliance officer with respect to legal requirements applicable to the Congress
9. Performing other duties that may be necessary in the best interest of the Congress

Executive Director: The Board of Directors may retain the services of a qualified individual to serve as Executive Director to assist the Secretariat with carrying out its duties and responsibilities. The Executive Director shall derive his authority to act on behalf of the Congress from, and shall be responsible to, the Board of Directors through the Chairman, to whom he shall report.

Board of Patrons: The Congress shall invite distinguished men and women to serve on the Board of Patrons. The Board of patrons shall be responsible for advising the Congress on matters of historical and strategic relevance to Ndi Igbo and shall assist the Congress in securing access to individuals and to finance. A Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Congress who served creditably for one term shall be inducted into the Board of Patrons. With respect to others, in making the selection, the Congress shall take the following factors into consideration:

1. The individual’s character and status.
2. The individual’s record of service and contributions to Ndi Igbo.
3. The individual’s commitment to the objectives of the Congress

Council of Elders: The Congress shall establish a Council of Elders to be comprised of men and women of high intellect and impeccable character to assist the Congress with conflict resolution, in keeping with the cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo. Members shall not be less than 50 years of age at the time of appointment to the Council of Elders.

Chairperson’s Strategic and Advisory Council: The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Congress shall be authorized to form a Strategic and Advisory Council, at no expense to the Congress, comprising of experts and specialists in various fields, to assist him or her in the formulation of his or her policy and strategic vision for Ndi Igbo. These individuals may from time to time accompany the Chairperson on missions and assignments related to the business of the Congress, without advance approval by the Board of Directors.

Special Recognition of Patrons, Elders, and Others: Patrons and Elders shall be given special recognition at the Convention, and at other important events of the Congress. The Board of Directors may authorize special honors and awards in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Ndi Igbo anywhere in the world.