Claims of my Igbo origin makes me laugh – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed claims of his Igbo ancestry with a lighthearted response, affirming his dedication to a united Nigeria.
During a meeting with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo chuckled at the speculation about his supposed Igbo roots, saying, “It just makes me laugh.”
The ex-president emphasized his vision for an inclusive Nigeria, where no citizen should feel alienated or forced to leave any part of the country. “We own this country together,” Obasanjo stated, urging all Nigerians to work towards unity rather than division.
The meeting also highlighted the group’s ambitious plans to revive the long-delayed Owerri Central Market, which has been in the pipeline since the creation of Imo State. Obasanjo expressed optimism about the project, calling it “groundbreaking” and a potential game-changer for the Nigerian economy.
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“I believe in the market’s potential to transform our economy,” Obasanjo said, lauding the interest shown by the state governor and expressing hope that the project will finally come to fruition.
Addressing recent divisive rhetoric urging Igbos to leave certain parts of the country, Obasanjo made it clear that such sentiments have no place in a united Nigeria. “We fought together for the unity of this country; it’s about bringing people together, not driving anyone away. If anyone tells me that someone should leave, it is that person who must go,” he declared.
Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, the spokesperson for the association, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, describing the market as a future hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. He appealed for Obasanjo’s support in securing loans for members to purchase shops and spaces in the market, which could help many escape the challenges of street vending.
The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to national unity and economic development.
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