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The influential Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advocated for the incorporation of both ethnicity and religion in the upcoming census. The organization also seized the opportunity to encourage Igbo business leaders and investors to spearhead the creation of a global economic center in the South-East, positioning the region as a key player on the international economic stage.
On Thursday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, released a statement acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s strides in reshaping Nigeria’s political and developmental landscape. The statement expressed appreciation for the establishment of the six geopolitical zones Development Commissions, a transformative measure aimed at ensuring more localized, focused growth across the country.
According to Ohanaeze’s statement, “this initiative represents a crucial acknowledgment of the diverse tapestry of our nation and addresses historic imbalances among the various ethnic groups.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, made it clear that the genuine fulfillment of these lofty ambitions hinges on the highly awaited 2025 National Population Census, which they believe will play a pivotal role in translating these aspirations into tangible outcomes.
Read also: Ohanaeze President-General Reveals Those To Elect Into NEC
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly emphasizes the necessity of including ethnicity and religion as integral categories in the census exercise.
“Such inclusivity is not merely a statistical formality, it is essential for generating accurate demographic data that reflects the true representation of the Igbo population and other diverse ethnicities scattered across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
“The painful memories of previous National Population Census exercises, marred by fraudulent representations and distortions of ethnic numerical data, must not be repeated.
“It is, therefore, quintessential that the Federal Government adopts proactive measures to ensure that the 2025 Census faithfully reflects the rich diversity of our nation, thereby minimizing potential disputes arising from disproportionate demographic portrayals.
In embracing economic opportunities, we urge our Igbo brethren to recognize and leverage the Tinubu administration’s proposed Tax Reforms Bill.
“This initiative presents a golden opportunity to redirect Igbo investments back to our homeland— a necessary pivot from the historical neglect that saw our investments languish in other regions.
“This endeavor is not merely aspirational; it is an urgent call to action aimed at revitalizing our local economies and fostering sustainable growth within the Igbo Nation,” Ohanaeze stated.
