ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has encouraged Igbo leaders to engage with the Federal Government of Nigeria to address their legitimate concerns, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Igbo community to major investments in Nigeria.
During his address at the launch of the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), initiated by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas expressed concern over the economic losses suffered by the South-East due to regional agitations.
The event, held in Bende, Abia State, aimed to foster peace and progress in the region.
In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Krishi, Abbas highlighted the interconnectedness of peace in the South-East with the overall progress of Nigeria.
He acknowledged the historical economic prowess of the region, pointing out its prominence in trade and commerce.
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The Speaker praised the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people, citing their significant ownership of major investments across Nigeria. He emphasized their contributions to the national economy through trade, business investments, and Diaspora remittances.
He lamented that the wave of insecurity “continues to cripple daily life and significantly paralyse socio-economic endeavours, in a region whose people are renowned for their resourcefulness and economic enterprise.”
Describing the project as “historic and patriotic endeavour” the statement quoted Abbas as saying, “Between 1956 and 1965, the then Eastern region was regarded as the fastest-growing economy in Africa and Asia. Indeed, the South-East has remained an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, leading in trade and commerce.
“From Aba to Adamawa and Enugu to Europe, Igbo are known to be entrepreneurial, resourceful, peace-loving, savvy and tenacious. That is the character of the Igbo. That is who you are. Three of your cities, Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi, are among the most industrialised in Nigeria.
“A sizeable chunk of the major investments in many parts of Nigeria are Igbo-owned. Your contributions to the Nigerian economy, either through imports, business investments, or Diaspora remittances, among others, are indisputable.
“The contributions of the Igbo are apparent not only with regard to the economy but also in all fields of human endeavour, including literature, academia, the creative industry and many more.”
Despite recognizing the challenges faced by the South-East, including separatist agitations and unrest, Abbas stressed the need to understand the root causes before effective solutions can be implemented.
He described the PISE-P as a historic and patriotic initiative, expressing hope that it would contribute to restoring peace and addressing the socio-economic impact of insecurity in the region.