President Bola Tinubu has firmly asserted that the Igbo people hold the distinction of being the most significant stakeholders in the overall Nigerian project.
This powerful declaration was made by the President on Thursday, the 4th of December, 2025, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, during the Imo Economic Stakeholders Summit. While President Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, his message was unequivocal, as reported by the correspondent.
Highlighting the unique attributes of the Igbo community, President Tinubu described them as possessing remarkable qualities, stating: “The Igbo are geographically mobile, economically enterprising and educationally ambitious.”
He further underscored the indispensable value the Igbo people bring to the nation, noting that Nigeria is undeniably enriched by their inclusion. The President stressed that the government and all citizens share a responsibility to enable their success: “This Nigerian nation is better with Ndigbo as part of the dispensation. Our duty as a government and as a people, is to give them the tools, the platforms and the competence to construct the platforms that awaits them.”
Emphasizing their pervasive national presence, President Tinubu made a bold statistical claim: “I dare say that Ndigbo are the greatest stakeholders in the Nigerian project. Half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo. Half of the population of Lagos, is largely made up of Ndigbo.” He followed this with a culturally resonant observation: “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.”
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The President also extended a clear message of support to the state’s economic ambitions, assuring attendees of a strong partnership with the federal government. He stated: “The Federal Government stands ready to support Imo State, in this investment areas. Our role is to work with you, to unlock opportunities and to ensure that development gets to all communities. Imo is open for business. Nigeria is open for business. This government stands as your partner in progress.”
Looking forward, President Tinubu pivoted to global economic trends, asserting that the global economy has evolved past a sole reliance on natural resources. He argued that the most competitive nations today are those that strategically invest in technology and place innovation at the core of their development strategy. He concluded that innovation must define the next chapter of economic expansion for Nigeria.