Former Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, has emphasized the significant contributions of the Igbo tribe to the development of major cities in Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.
In an interview on Arise TV, Nwodo stated that the Igbos have played a vital role in transforming these cities, particularly in the areas of commerce and infrastructure. He pointed out that Igbo traders have built numerous markets in Lagos, with the majority of them constructed on swampy lands.
Nwodo highlighted the extensive involvement of Igbos in various sectors, such as manufacturing, hospitality, and real estate. He noted that in Abuja, about seventy percent of the hospitality businesses and plazas are owned by Igbos, illustrating their significant presence and impact in the city.
Responding to those who dispute these facts, Nwodo emphasized that business gravitates towards areas with infrastructure. He pointed out that the presence of the seaport in Lagos attracts Igbo traders for importation of goods, leading to the establishment of markets and other businesses in the city.
Nwodo addressed the disparity in infrastructure between the South East and other regions, highlighting the necessity for entrepreneurs to settle in areas with better infrastructure to conduct their businesses efficiently. He emphasized that taking advantage of available infrastructure for business development is a logical choice.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
