Vice President Kashim Shettima has openly commended the Igbo community, describing them as one of the strongest pillars sustaining Nigeria’s economic growth, social unity, and national development.
Speaking while addressing issues of unity, nation-building, and regional cooperation, the Vice President emphasized that the Igbo people remain some of the most influential stakeholders in the Nigerian project. He noted that their presence, investments, and contributions can be seen across every region of the country, making them an indispensable part of Nigeria’s collective progress.
Shettima highlighted how the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit has shaped major cities such as Abuja and Lagos, where their investments form a noticeable portion of the economic landscape. He described their business dominance, mobility, and educational drive as key forces shaping Nigeria’s modern society.
The Vice President urged leaders across the nation to support initiatives that strengthen local economies while promoting unity, mutual cooperation, and national peace. He emphasized that partnerships across regions remain essential for Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity.
He also spoke on Nigeria’s demographic future, predicting that the country is on course to become the third most populous nation in the world by 2050, and possibly the most populated by the end of the century. According to him, this demographic growth, if properly managed, presents vast opportunities for national advancement.
In his words …
“The Igbo are geographically mobile, economically enterprising and educationally ambitious.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“The Federal Government stands ready to support Imo State in these 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.”