The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo has insisted that Igbo nation in Nigeria remains the most marginalised in the country.
Nwodo speaking during the 1st Ohazurume Igbo festival organized by the directorate of Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilization (IVACAC) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said the Igbos were the worst hit, politically, economically and otherwise, despite their enormous contributions to the growth and development of the country.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo President General said the Igbo man possessed rare qualities and was not only industrious, adventurous and daring, but courageous, enterprising and versatile.
He said the above qualities were the same that attracted envy and jealousy from other tribes in the country towards him.
He listed the number of industries located in the eastern part that have gone moribund to include the cement industry at Nkalagu, breweries in Umuahia and Onitsha.
Nwodo however noted that the solution to the problems was not found in another war, just as he canvassed for restructuring of the country, which he said the Igbo apex organisation had been clamoring for.
“We can’t afford to experience another civil war. I’ll rather die than allow these youths to be killed. There are two types of warfare, the diplomatic and civil war. What I am fighting is the diplomatic war,” he said.
He challenged his audience, who were predominantly students to emulate the outstanding virtues of the late Igbo icons, most of who were celebrated at the event.
“Don’t settle for mediocrity and inferiority. Aspire for the best so you too can be celebrated”, he aid.
The Ohaneze helmsman pledged to partner with the university to ensure the Ohazurume Igbo festival was realized within the shortest time.
