Kanayo O. Kanayo, Nollywood veteran, emphasizes the importance of overcoming ethnic biases and appointing an Igbo president for Nigeria’s progress. He believes this change will lead to national unity and economic development.
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has made a compelling case for why Nigeria will start progressing the day an Igbo person becomes president. Speaking on ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, Kanayo addressed the issue of “Igbophobia” and how it has unjustly prevented Igbos from ascending to the nation’s highest office.
Kanayo argued that the bias against Igbos in presidential politics is purely imaginary and unfounded. He explained that being Igbo means coming from a region with a distinct dialect, much like the Hausas and Fulanis. He highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of the Igbo people, noting how they thrive in business and contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy.
“Being an Igbo means that I come from a side of the country that speaks a dialect just like the Hausas, Fulani, and others,” Kanayo said. “It also means to me that I’m a special person created that everything I touch prospers. When we [Igbos] are called the Jews of this part of the world, it means a lot. And to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Kanayo believes that the Igbo community’s success often leads to envy and fear among other ethnic groups. He dismissed the notion that Igbos have any intentions of taking over other regions, pointing out that Igbos, unlike others, invest in properties and businesses across Nigeria, making every part of the country their home.
“I remember during the elections last year, some people said the Igbos want to take over Lagos. How can we take over Lagos? For what when we have an ancestral home we come from?” he questioned.
He further suggested that abolishing the concept of state of origin in Nigeria would foster unity and allow meritocracy to thrive. Kanayo stressed that the focus should be on an individual’s capabilities rather than their ethnic background.
“The fear of the Igbo man that ‘in 1967, Ojukwu declared a succession, if you give them that opportunity again they will secede,’ is only imaginary. Like I said, we are the only people who own properties even in the remotest areas in Nigeria. So that fear is induced.”
Kanayo concluded by asserting that the day Nigeria elects an Igbo president, the country will realize its full potential and people will begin to see significant economic and social progress.
“The day you give an Igbo man the presidency of this country, that is the day Nigeria will discover why it is Nigeria. Economically, people would begin to say Hallelujah.”
Kanayo’s passionate plea underscores the need for Nigeria to overcome ethnic divisions and embrace unity to achieve national development.
