Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo dismisses claims of his Igbo paternity with humor, adding a light-hearted twist to the ongoing conversation about his ancestry.
“I find it laughable when people assert that I am of Igbo descent because, in my opinion, no Nigerian should be forcibly expelled from any region of the country,” remarked ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“We own this country together,” Obasanjo stated, regardless of any cultural disparities.
On Thursday, at the boardroom of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta headquarters, the ex-president accepted leadership of Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association – an organization that oversees major markets in Lagos State.
According to his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi’s statement, Obasanjo did not elaborate much about the paternity claim issue and only expressed amusement saying that it makes him laugh.
The ex-President remarked that he was approached by the group’s leadership to garner his support for creating the Owerri Central Market, expected to boast unparalleled excellence nationwide.
He admitted that the idea of a Central Market in Owerri had been discussed since Imo State was established. He also mentioned that, for whatever reasons, it has yet to be executed. However, he expressed his satisfaction with its re-emergence and encouraged everyone to work together towards fulfilling this vision. The market is anticipated to be grandiose and unprecedented in size as well as structure.
Furthermore, I am pleased with the governor’s expressed interest and comprehension. I have faith that he will take charge of promoting the Owerri Central Market as he desires to assume leadership over its marketing team.
He stated that his priority was to unite the Yorubas, Igbos and Hausas in fighting for Nigeria’s unity. His stance on the matter was clear: they were not fighting to send away any particular ethnic group but rather encourage their integration. Therefore, anyone suggesting exclusion of a certain ethnicity should consider leaving themselves according to him.
During his speech, Emeka Emmanuel – the spokesperson for the group – read a letter that was co-signed by Chinedu Ukatu and Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor. In it they stated that their intention is to transform this market into an epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship. The group pledged its commitment towards contributing to both the growth of said marketplace as well as help propel progress throughout our great nation!
He also solicited the assistance of the ex-President in accomplishing his goal for a worldwide market that would alleviate a vast number of individuals from homelessness.
According to Emmanuel, the former president’s support would greatly aid their members in securing loans for acquiring shops and spaces within the market.
