All for one, one for all

The challenges we face in this country are complicated by the notion that nothing is a problem until it affects you directly. We need to deconstruct this fallacy! Be it in business, (in)security, or economic hardship, etc, it affects us all.

With what is currently happening in Lagos to the Igbos and the call for them to leave, where will the Igbos run to? Is the Southeast secured for businesses? Can those in authority guarantee the safety of lives and properties? To put things in context, Lagos was built with our commonwealth as the capital of Nigeria, hence the reason why entrepreneurial people gravitated and relocated to Lagos. We continue to call Lagos the commercial capital of Nigeria, which is why the most entrepreneurial amongst us do business in Lagos. In the same vein, migration to Abuja continues to increase as the current capital is being developed with our commonwealth. Perhaps the capital cities should be rotated to give each region a chance to be developed with our common resources and allow for commercial migration.

Asking Igbos to leave Lagos is not the solution to the problem! The real issue is that the government must secure lives and properties in all parts of our country. They should create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Insecurity is also increased when the government is a contributor to the distress of those who muster the courage to invest in any part of this country. I am speaking out because I am one of those who intentionally chose to expand and even relocate some of my business ventures to Southeast, Imo state, to be precise. Though inspired by my experience, this piece is about the need for the renewed resilience of the Nigerian person and more specifically of the Igbos.

Exactly a year ago, I faced my share of the inhumane treatment by the government on business owners. The destruction of my commercial properties, intimidation of staff, and slow business due to unsafe environment caused by decreasing security in the South-East.. I experienced it all. However, I am unbowed in my resolute spirit to rebuild and stand by our people to thrive and continue despite the glaring loss in revenue and unprofitability, which forced cutback in the workforce.

We must recognize that the strength of our people lies not in its buildings or institutions but in its people. It lies in our resilience, our ingenuity, and our unwavering spirit.

Now, to more directly address ndi Imo, it is in this spirit that I call upon all Imo sons and daughters, those here at home and across the globe, to unite and invest in our future. Now, more than ever, our people need your support, your expertise, and your resources. We need you to come home and contribute to the rebuilding and revitalization of our beloved state. Let us not be defined by the challenges we have faced but by the resilience with which we overcome them. Let us turn this moment of adversity into a catalyst for growth and renewal. Together, we can make Southeast great again, restoring it to its rightful place as a beacon of business and prosperity.

Remember, the future of our country is in our hands, as I have not allowed the obstacles of those in authority deter me in Imo State, I urge ndi Igbo, ndi Imo and Nigerians at large to invest in the country. Stop focusing on ethnic divide and direct your attention on how best to secure our lives and properties, increase production, create employment, and alleviate poverty. Do not let anyone encourage you to send anybody packing or use the instrumentality of power and government to oppress your fellow Nigerian. It is our collective responsibility to build a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and for generations to come.

Evang Ikoku is the founder and CEO of All Seasons Hotel, Havana Cinema, Bizzi-boss FM Radio, Mimi’s Place, Owerri, Imo State