Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has firmly dismissed the notion that any ethnic group in Nigeria should be driven out of any region. In a recent gathering with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized the unity of the Nigerian nation, stating, “We own this country together.”
The meeting was organized by the association, which represents major markets across Lagos State, to seek Obasanjo’s support for the establishment of the Owerri Central Market, envisioned to be a premier commercial hub in Nigeria. The project, which has been in the pipeline since the creation of Imo State, is finally gaining momentum with the backing of both local leadership and the former president.
Obasanjo, known for his candidness, lightly addressed recent rumors about his alleged Igbo heritage, stating, “It just makes me laugh.” However, he was more serious when discussing the importance of national unity. “No one in Nigeria should be told to leave any part of this country. We’ve all contributed to the fight for unity. If anyone believes otherwise, they should be the ones to leave,” Obasanjo asserted.
The former president praised the Imo State government for its commitment to the Owerri Central Market project, expressing optimism about its potential to become a significant economic driver. “The market will be the first of its kind, a beacon of entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. I am happy that the governor is showing the desired interest, and I am confident this will be a reality,” he added.
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Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, spokesperson for the association, highlighted the market’s potential to boost economic growth and entrepreneurship in the region. He also sought Obasanjo’s assistance in helping traders secure loans to acquire spaces in the market, emphasizing the project’s role in reducing street hawking by providing formal business opportunities.
This commitment to fostering economic development underscores Obasanjo’s vision for a united Nigeria, where every ethnic group can thrive in any part of the country. The proposed Owerri Central Market is poised to be a symbol of this unity, serving as a hub for trade and innovation that could transform the region’s economic landscape.
