Feature

What Are The Most Important Things Igbos Need From Nigeria?

Published

4 years ago

October 23, 2021

Bona Naija

AnyiAnyi, a group of highly resourceful Igbo professionals and experts gathered from across the globe, led by Anthony Olisa Okolo and Peter Agba Kalu have commissioned “The Igbo Project” which is a bold undertaking aimed at documenting every aspect of Igbo identity in the areas of culture, tradition, religion, social activities, enterprise, arts, family and technology.

As a global brand, #AnyiAnyi’s initiators decided to conduct this research, at this time, in view of the unrest in some areas of Igboland, and the general feeling of disillusionment that pervades Igboland today.

The research aimed to condense all the cries of marginalization raised by the majority in Igboland, with the intention to distil what exactly the Igbos need from Nigeria today. The need to answer the Igbo question within the Nigerian context is essential to peace and stability in Nigeria, and therefore of importance within Africa and by extension, the international community.

READ: Why Court rejected Nnamdi Kanu’s request for transfer to Kuje Prison, Trial Adjourned till November 10

In the research, over 20 issues ranging from the frustrations arising from economic inequalities to issues outstanding from the implementation of reconciliation policies after the Civil war. These issues were condensed into these main issues discussed hereunder:

A prominent School of Thought amongst the respondents were of the opinion that the Igbos are yet to enjoy a full assurance of reconciliation from the Federal Government of Nigeria. The people who hold this view are of the opinion that despite the “No Victor, No Vanquished” motto that led to then 3Rs policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Igbos recall that they were abandoned to their fate, impoverished, and forced to suffer to rebuild from nothing while the rest of Nigeria profited from indigenization decrees while the Igbos were on their knees financially. The Federal Government were perceived to have abandoned the reconstruction of Igboland, deliberately avoiding the reconstruction of major commercial interests such as the Onitsha Main Market, which was utterly destroyed during the war, despite being a purely civilian structure. To buttress these points, the proponents of this view allude to the current poor state of Federal infrastructure in Igboland, when compared with other regions. The lack of new infrastructure to cater for the growing population of Igbos is another reason that seems to corroborate this view. As an instance, the premier University of Nigeria, is reported to remain a shadow of its former glory, while less historical institutions in other regions receive abundant Federal subvention, even while UNN’s academic credentials remain more impressive in the local and international stage than other Nigerian universities.
Followers of this School of Thought are also of the opinion that Nigeria also owes the Igbos apologies for pogroms and killings of its indigenous people in the prelude to the war, during the war, and subsequently, in all the years following the war, down into the present day. The fact that the largely peace-loving and patriotic Igbo is always a soft target for extremist forces to maim, kidnap and murder at various moments in the history of Nigeria, is too delicate a matter to overlook according to this group. Ndigbo insist that the Federal Government should own their wrongs in failing to protect the lives of its Igbo citizens, time and time again, and wish that they would be open to do the rightful restitutions for lives and property lost, running into the millions in human life, and billions in money. One of professionals interviewed about the nature of the restitution responded that reference can be made to the Igbo dossier which was submitted as a presentation to the Oputa Panel. The fact that this dossier was brushed aside, is a pointer to many Igbos of the contempt with which their grievances are viewed by the rest of the country.
The deprivations that Igbos are made to suffer daily, while conducting the commerce that ensures that Nigerian families have the best quality foods and goods in their households, is another issue that stirs Igbo hearts to anger. The multiple taxations, poor road infrastructure, denial of access to foreign exchange for legitimate trade, high shipping and clearing costs and finally, the lack of deep-sea ports in Igboland, all add to the frustrations across the Igbo citizenry. As the largest trade zone in the country runs from Onitsha to Aba, dredging the River Niger at Onitsha to the depth of a standard seaport is a most reasonable request according to Ndigbo. Historical records support this view. The core trade ports for in pre-independence Nigeria, ran from Akassa to Calabar and to Onitsha. The criminally irresponsible choice to deny Igboland the seaports that would make the most business-sense from a logistics perspective, with regard to shipping along the Atlantic Ocean routes, is only understandable when viewed from the prism that dictates that Igbos must be denied anything that makes life easy for them, or that allows them to prosper.
As a result of the above, a majority of the survey contributors demanded that Ndigbo should seek autonomy from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This means devolution of power so the Igbos can pursue economic development on their own terms. This autonomy demanded in a devolved government seems to closely resemble the example of the United Kingdom and its relationship with devolved the governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with each of these governments having responsibilities to make their own legislation in policy areas such as:

a. Agriculture
b. Education
c. Environment
d. Healthcare
e. Social Services
f. Housing
g. Land Use
h. Regional Security, Law and Order
i. Local Government
j. Sport and the Arts; and
k. Regional Taxation

Proponents of this school who were more acceptable of overall sovereignty remaining with the Nigerian Federation were keen to point out that Igboland would still remain a part of a Commonwealth of Nigerian States, or a more perfect union based on a Federated structure that allows other states to assert their autonomy, which agreeing to reserve matters relating to macroeconomic issues, currency, defence, debt-repayment, immigration and financial services to remain with the re-constituted Federal Government.

The more radical elements of hard-core Igbo nationals insist that Ndigbo want to be seen as Igbo alone in a homogenous area, and not to be seen as the old South-East region. This group is relying on the potential for a unification of all Igbo communities carved into other states by the previous Military Governments, without any democratic processes, into one homogenous Igbo nation.
One of the most interesting parts of the Anyi Anyi-Igbo Project Research that is sure to spark a lot of debate across quarters, is the request for Port-Harcourt to revert to regain its Igbo idemtity, and retrace its original status as a part of Igboland which was previously known as “Igwe Ocha”. Those who hold this view insist that it was only after Gowon and the Nigerian Army took back Port Harcourt, that it was made into a non-Igbo territory at the end of the war. One of the elder respondents interviewed stated as an instance that Obigbo (which is clearly named in the Igbo language) cannot be a non-Igbo territory barely by understanding the name and history of the place, adding, that it was President Shehu Shagari who authorized the carve out of Obigbo to Rivers State, as part of a grander strategy to reduce Igbo territory in the Second Republic. Although very controversial, this finding remains a major discussion point for these respondents. It is impossible to tell if this is a majority view held by Ndigbo, and that will require more detailed research and analysis.
Among the younger generation of Igbo traders, the majority interviewed were of the opinion that Ndigbo need federal presence that will enhance commerce. This could be done by upgrading Imo State and Anambra airports to International Cargo Airports, while building at least one deep Seaport to signal a change in relations between Ndigbo and the Nigerian Federation. The construction of a railway line from Port Harcourt through Aba, to Owerri, Onitsha and then to Lagos would need to be additional to this demand as it would improve the internal arteries of trade that are essential to making Nigeria increase productivity and wealth.
As for calls to decentralize electricity to allow independent power generating companies to spring up in Igbo nation as well as the re-opening of Coal power generation through mining of reserves in Enugu, the respondents did note that positive efforts by the company – Geometric Power in Aba to start distribution of electricity should be encouraged and supported by the government of the day.
From all the responses received from over 60,000 Igbos surveyed, it would seem the Igbos need to feel a sense of belonging if they are to return to full re-integration to the Nigerian enterprise. To achieve this, Igbos need the rest of Nigeria to support it to aspire to any political office it may desire in Nigeria. This same school of thought believes that it says a lot about how the rest of Nigeria look at Ndigbo, when it is not even possible to consider them for leadership even after concessions made to support the emergence of Obasanjo, Yar’adua, Jonathan and Buhari respectively from the South-West, North,West, South-South and North-East, mean that it is only the South-East which is yet to taste the premier political position in the land, over the last 50 years. Denying that the Igbo has a legitimate reason to expect the support of the rest of the country, for one of their own to attain the position of President, after 50 years in the doldrums, supports the view that the rest of Nigeria are opposed to a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction at any cost. This does not bode well for equity, fairness and the notion of equality in Nigeria.
Similar to this is the demand that lgbos need at least one more state created to them to ensure that they are not inequitably unbalanced when it comes to political appointments and national representation. This is presently the case in Nigeria. If given one state only, it may still not amount to equity as the North-West has seven states, but that in itself would be a start.

Interestingly, the majority of those whose opinions were sampled believe that the way the current band of Igbo leaders are going about the actualization of these demands is totally wrong. The Governors and political representatives at state, national and civil society level have been accused of very poor conceptualization, poor strategy, and poor delivery. While the Igbos are lamenting injustice, lack of federal presence and more, it is agreed that the common Igbo citizen would have expected the current Igbo leaders to do more.

Most of the respondents agreed that agitators for freedom should first focus their demands on the South-East States by demanding a better performance, accountability, and a clear vision from Governors in Igbo land. To press home this demand, there were clear signs that Ndigbo have indeed begun the journey to unify themselves under one voice to ensure credible leaders represent the Igbo interest at all levels. To achieve this, the groups mentioned have placed a renewed emphasis on the teaching of the Igbo language to the new generation, kick-starting a revival in Igbo culture, tradition, and ancient political institutions. This has in-turn led to a renewal of Igbo national pride and the stirrings of a dogged determination to identify, nurture, and support credible leadership that will help Igbos get what they want.

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Feature

Eid-ul-Mawlid: Uphold Hon. Lucky Otuo in your prayers, Ima-owaji Shedrack Urges non indigenes in ANOLGA

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2025

Bona Naija

A stakeholder in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ima-owaji Shedrack, has called on Muslim faithful in the area to remember the Chairman of Andoni LGA, Hon. Lucky Promise Otuo, in their prayers as they celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Speaking on Friday during the nationwide celebration, Ima-owaji stressed the importance of continuous prayers for leaders at all levels, describing Hon. Lucky Otuo’s administration as one that transcends sentiments, tribal lines, and religious differences.

“The government of Hon. Lucky Otuo is one beyond discrimination. Both indigenes and non-indigenes are carried along. This is why I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this sacred celebration to pray for him and for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Andoni LGA,” Ima-owaji said.

He further noted that the Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration provides Muslims with another opportunity to renew their commitment to unity and inclusiveness, while also offering prayers for leaders who are steering the affairs of the people with sincerity.

Ima-owaji urged residents of Andoni, regardless of religion or origin, to embrace peace and support the development agenda of Hon. Otuo’s administration, which he said is focused on progress and inclusivity.

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Feature

What to Know About CBN’s New Geo-Tagging Requirement for POS Terminals

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2025

BONA NAIJA

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a new directive requiring all Point of Sale (POS) terminals to be geo-tagged within the next 60 days, a move designed to curb fraud, enhance oversight, and modernize Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.

According to a circular released on August 26, 2025, any terminal not geo-tagged will be deactivated from October 20, 2025.

“This initiative is designed to ensure that all PoS terminals are traceable and that transactions are secure. Terminals operating outside their registered location will be flagged, and non-compliant devices will be deactivated,” the CBN stated.

Here’s a breakdown of what the policy means for operators, agents, merchants, and customers.

What Geo-Tagging Means

Geo-tagging is the process of embedding location data, such as latitude and longitude, into a digital device.
For POS terminals, this means linking each machine to its exact physical address using GPS technology, creating a traceable digital footprint that makes every device verifiable and harder to misuse.

The CBN’s Key Requirements

Geolocation Features
All POS devices must have GPS and dual-frequency receivers for accurate location tracking.
Real-Time Location Transmission
Terminals must capture and transmit their exact location at the start of every transaction.
Geofencing
Each POS terminal will be restricted to a 10-metre radius around its registered location. Transactions outside this zone will be flagged for investigation.
Registration
Licensed banks and fintechs—such as Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, and others—must register each device with exact merchant coordinates through a payment aggregator.
New Devices
No new terminal will be certified or activated without geo-tagging.

Why Geo-Tagging Matters

Crackdown on Fraudulent Terminals
Geo-tagging eliminates “ghost” or cloned devices and reduces card fraud, unauthorized withdrawals, and misuse of mobile POS machines. It also disrupts ransom collections and terrorism financing through untraceable transactions.
Better Oversight and Transparency
Regulators gain real-time visibility of nationwide transactions, improving fraud detection and aiding financial inclusion strategies by identifying underserved areas.
Boosting Consumer Trust
Customers gain stronger protection knowing every POS is tied to a verified address, building confidence in digital payments.

Impact on Stakeholders

Banks & Fintechs
Institutions face the challenge of upgrading thousands of terminals and registering them within 60 days, requiring both funding and logistics.
POS Agents & Merchants
Operators must work strictly within 10 metres of their registered business location, potentially disrupting mobile POS services that move around to serve customers.
Customers
Shoppers stand to benefit most, with safer and more transparent transactions in Nigeria’s payment system.

Conclusion

The CBN’s geo-tagging directive is one of the most sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s digital payments landscape. While it presents operational hurdles for banks, fintechs, and agents, it promises stronger security, fraud reduction, and renewed consumer trust in the long run.

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Feature

Goodluck Nwaneri Pays Condolence Visit To The APC National Chairman

Published

3 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

Bona Naija

Goodluck Nwaneri Pays Condolence Visit To The APC National Chairman

Chief Goodluck Nwaneri, a Director city boy movement, has paid a condolence visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Abuja, following the passing of his beloved mother, late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda.

During the visit, Chief Nwaneri expressed his deep sympathy to Prof. Nentawe and the entire Yilwatda family, describing the death of a mother as a painful and irreplaceable loss. He noted that the late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, and service, evident in the leadership qualities and values instilled in her children.

Chief Nwaneri prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the APC National Chairman and his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. He also encouraged them to find comfort in the enduring legacy their mother left behind.

He further reaffirmed his solidarity with Prof. Nentawe in this moment of grief, while urging the family to remain strong and united in honoring the life and memory of their departed matriarch.

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Reflections on the Labour Party’s Challenges: A Call for Peter Obi to Pause and Ponder

Published

4 weeks ago

August 20, 2025

BONA NAIJA

By Pst Dr Mrs Dayo Ekong, State Chairman, Labour Party, Lagos State

As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party.

The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation.

Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.

Let us rewind to 2023. Peter Obi enjoyed an extraordinary wave of support, not just from the Labour Party’s structures but from a broad coalition of Nigerians yearning for change. Despite the controversies surrounding the election results, where many believe he was robbed of victory, his outing was undeniably successful. He garnered millions of votes, particularly from the youth and disillusioned voters, because the party rallied behind him, and the electorate saw him as a fresh alternative to the status quo.This grace was a combination of factors: the party’s platform, grassroots mobilization, and a genuine public desire for integrity in leadership. It was this synergy that allowed him to shine brightly, even in defeat.

However, fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political maneuvering. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal. This is not mere speculation; it is evident in recent electoral outcomes where his endorsements have failed to deliver victories, signaling a loss of the magnetic pull he once commanded.

Take the 2024 Edo State governorship election as a prime example. Amid internal party tensions, Peter Obi chose to campaign vigorously for Olumide Akpata, pitching his tent against the preferences of the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, who wanted to adhere to the political leanings of zoning which the Edo electorate tilted towards, but because of his issues with Abure he stood firm behind Akpata.
While Akpata was the official Labour Party candidate, Obi’s involvement highlighted factional rifts, with his support seemingly at odds with key party figures.
The result? Akpata lost woefully to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, securing only a fraction of the votes despite Obi’s rallies and endorsements in Benin and beyond.This defeat in Edo, a state where Labour had shown promise, underscores how Obi’s influence no longer guarantees electoral success.

Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election, Obi threw his weight behind Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s candidate. Achonu, backed by Obi’s visibility and campaign efforts, was positioned as a strong contender against the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma. Yet, the outcome was another resounding loss, with Achonu failing to unseat the APC governor in a landslide defeat. These back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo raise questions about the effectiveness of Obi’s political strategy and whether his touch still carries the transformative power it did in 2023.

The most telling blow came recently in the Anambra State by-elections, particularly in Onitsha—Peter Obi’s own backyard and supposed stronghold. Here, we witnessed his sudden switch of allegiance, embodying the “Labour today, ADC tomorrow” shenanigans that have confused supporters and diluted party loyalty.

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Feature

IYD: Nigeria Beyond Politics; The Role of Youth in Development in a Dynamic Digital World

Published

1 month ago

August 12, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Bonaveture Asonye Nwankama

…… the politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power

Today, as the world marks International Youth Day, we are reminded that the destiny of nations is not built solely in political chambers or government offices. True progress emerges from the creativity, resilience, and innovation of its people especially its youth.

In Nigeria, a country blessed with one of the largest youth populations in the world, the possibilities extend far beyond politics.

The modern world is evolving at a pace like never before, driven by technology, digital innovation, and global interconnectedness.

For Nigerian youth, this era offers an unprecedented opportunity to lead transformation not just by voting or holding political office, but by shaping industries, influencing culture, and building sustainable systems that outlast election cycles.

Recently, I listened to an elder reflect on Nigeria’s journey. He reminded us that during the Industrial Revolution, our nation missed the opportunity to industrialize at the same pace as other parts of the world. That moment in history has passed but a new one is here. This is the Digital Revolution, and it is the youth’s turn to seize it.

Redefining Development Beyond the Ballot Box

Politics is important, but it is only one part of national development. Nigeria’s youth must recognize that progress also comes from entrepreneurship, science, technology, the arts, and social innovation.

The future will be shaped by those who can solve real problems whether in agriculture, renewable energy, fintech, health tech, or creative industries. Our role is to channel the same passion often poured into political debates into building solutions: Creating start-ups that employ thousands. Developing apps that solve everyday challenges. Producing films, music, and art that tell authentic Nigerian stories to the world.

Leveraging the Digital Revolution

In a dynamic digital world, the tools for impact are literally at our fingertips. With a smartphone and internet connection, a Nigerian youth can learn artificial intelligence, code a mobile app, sell fashion designs internationally, or run a global awareness campaign from their bedroom. Digital platforms are breaking barriers of geography and capital opening doors for anyone ready to learn, adapt, and innovate.

But this opportunity demands discipline: We must move from just consuming content to creating value-driven content. We must master digital skills that place us in the global economy. We must see technology as a tool for empowerment, not just entertainment.

Collaboration Over Division

The politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power. Youth from different regions can co-found tech companies, build joint advocacy platforms, and share resources to solve national problems.

The internet has given us a level playing field now we must use it to bridge divides, amplify each other’s voices, and create networks of mutual growth.

Taking Ownership of the Future

The truth is simple; No one will build the Nigeria we want except us. While we must hold leaders accountable, we cannot wait endlessly for political change before acting. Development is not a spectator sport it requires participation.

We must: Invest in self-education and continuous learning. Practice integrity and accountability in our personal and professional lives. Use our digital influence to inspire progress, not spread misinformation.

Conclusion

“Nigeria Beyond Politics” is not a call to abandon political engagement it is a reminder that politics is only one gear in the engine of national development. As youth, our most potent power lies in our creativity, adaptability, and unity especially in this digital era where a single idea can change millions of lives.

The world is watching. The future is calling. And the time for Nigerian youth to rise beyond politics and build the nation we dream of is now.

Bonaventure Asonye Nwankama is a Digital Media Entrepreneur and Publisher BONA NAIJA (www.bonanaija.com.ng). He is a Digital Transformation Advocate & Trainer. Reach him via email: bonaventure.bc@gmail.com

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