Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, delivered a stirring message on national unity, economic opportunity, and the remarkable industriousness of the Igbo community. According to him, “Ndigbo has the greatest stake holders in the Nigerian project .”
He noted the undeniable presence and influence of the Igbo across the country, saying, “Abuja is owned by the Igbo. Half of the population of Lagos is likely made up of the Igbo. There is hardly any place in this country where you won’t find an Igbo manufacturer if you don’t see one, run away from that place. If you don’t see a Hausa person, run away from that place.” He added that both groups naturally go where opportunities exist.
Appealing to leaders across the nation, the Vice President urged them to commit to investing at home in Igboland and in every region emphasizing that Nigeria stands on the brink of unprecedented growth.
Quoting a former President of Mauritius, he reminded the audience that “one out of every four black men is a Nigerian.” He projected that by 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation globally with about 440 million people. And by the end of the century, when, as he put it, “all of us here also become poor tenants in the home of the affluent,” Nigeria is expected to become the most populated country in the world.
Affirming his confidence in the nation’s potential, he concluded proudly: “So I am proud to call myself Nigerian.”
