Ndigbo: The Unsung Pillars of the Nigerian Project – A Look at Tinubu’s Vision for Growth

President Bola Tinubu, through his Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently sent a powerful message from the Imo Economic Stakeholders Summit in Owerri: The Igbo race stands as the greatest stakeholder in the Nigerian project. This declaration wasn’t just a political statement; it was a recognition of Ndigbo’s indelible impact on the nation’s fabric.

The Igbo Spirit: Mobile, Enterprising, Ambitious

Vice President Shettima eloquently captured the essence of the Igbo spirit, describing them as “geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious.” These traits, he argued, make Nigeria a better nation with Ndigbo at its core. He emphasized the government’s duty to provide the tools and platforms for Ndigbo to continue their invaluable contributions.

Consider the facts: “Half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo. Half of the population of Lagos is largely made up of Ndigbo. There is hardly any place in this country you will not see Ndigbo. If you don’t see them, you better run away from that place,” Shettima quipped, highlighting their omnipresence and economic prowess. This deep integration across all sectors and regions underscores their critical role in national development.

Beyond Natural Resources: A Future Built on Innovation

President Tinubu’s vision, as articulated by Shettima, extends beyond mere recognition. It’s a call to action for a future-proof economy. The world, he noted, has moved beyond an over-reliance on natural resources. The most competitive nations today are those that champion technology and place innovation at the heart of their development agenda.

“Innovation must define the next chapter of economic expansion,” Shettima asserted. This means that national growth isn’t achieved by one region ascending while others stagnate. Instead, it flourishes when every part of the nation discovers its unique promise, leverages its strengths, and takes up its economic responsibilities.

The Federal Government stands ready to support Imo State in this regard, ensuring development gets to all communities. Tinubu sees Imo as not just ready for investment, but “primed for transformation,” especially with the development of digital infrastructure to attract ICT funds and fuel a modern information economy.

Governor Uzodimma’s Foundation for Progress

Welcoming the participants, Governor Hope Uzodimma echoed the sentiment of transformation, acknowledging Imo State’s unique and strategic commercial opportunities. Despite its 50-year history and its legacy of producing successful entrepreneurs and entertainers, Imo has historically grappled with primitive industrialization and a weak, largely agrarian economy.

Uzodimma candidly admitted to a “flawed model” of development that persisted for decades – attempting economic activity on a foundation crippled by weak infrastructure, unreliable energy, and a manual, fraud-prone land administration system. This model, he stated, “was destined to fail, and it failed.”

Upon assuming office, Uzodimma’s administration decided to “go back to basics,” focusing on what the government *must* do: create the perfect enabling environment for investment. He proudly declared that almost six years into his tenure, a solid foundation has been laid through basic safety nets encompassing infrastructure, power, security, and stability.

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Commerce

Uzodimma emphasized infrastructure as the “backbone of commerce.” His administration has constructed over 120 strategic roads and bridges, linking all 27 local government areas and neighboring states – crucial trading partners. The current focus is on connecting rural communities to further expand mobility and trade. Good road networks, he stressed, are fundamental for economic development, reducing logistics costs, and reflecting governmental seriousness.

However, roads alone are not enough. Uzodimma squarely addressed Nigeria’s “single biggest bottleneck to industrialization”: power. He lamented that industrial operators often spend more on power generation than on salaries, an unsustainable practice. Reliable electricity, he argued, is paramount, even with the best location, workforce, market access, and roads.

A Partnership for Prosperity

Both President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma articulated a clear vision: a Nigeria where every state, every community, and every major stakeholder group like Ndigbo, can thrive. It’s a vision built on partnership, innovation, robust infrastructure, and a shared commitment to unlocking the nation’s full potential. Imo is open for business, Nigeria is open for business, and this government stands as a partner in progress. The future of the Nigerian project looks bright, with Ndigbo very much at its heart.

Source: Original Article