ADVERTISEMENT

`You must shy away from spirit of individualism,' Ex-President tells Igbos

Obasanjo also urged the state governments to leverage on the abundant natural resources in the zone to improve lives.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo

Speaking on Thursday at the South East Security and Economic Summit in Enugu, Obasanjo, said that the zone would not achieve much with continued individualism and lack of cohesion amongst them.

He said the people of the area seemed to have forgotten their spirit of enterprise and communal efforts, which stood them apart from other ethnic groups in the country.

He said the zone was unique and that it needed to use its uniqueness to its advantage to negotiate the actualisation of their aspirations.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The South East is known for their spirit of enterprise and adventure and you have to utilize it for improved development and security.

“You must work together and not be divided. You must shy away from the spirit of individualism and must earn solidarity with your neighbours,” he said.

Obasanjo urged the state governments to leverage on the abundant natural resources in the zone to improve the lives of their people.

He said that the South East could be the food basket of the nation, adding that state governments needed to take the responsibility of engaging the youths to check restiveness.

“I don’t think I should be eulogized for facilitating this summit in the South East because I did the same thing when I visited Maiduguri because of the problem of Boko Haram,” Obasanjo said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier, the Chairman of the summit, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, had said that the event was non-partisan and a commitment to the economic and security well-being of the region.

Anyaoku, who is a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth said that the South East felt neglected as it was experiencing the worst economic challenge in the country.

“Although every other zone in the country is experiencing economic malaise but that of the South East is more grievous.

“There is a sense of neglect and non-inclusion in this zone by the Federal Government and that is why coordination among the state governments is very necessary,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the state governors and the organised private sector to devote greater attention to building bridges of unity in the zone.

ADVERTISEMENT

Anyaoku said there would be no need for the Federal Government to periodically bailout state governments if the country was restructured with fewer federating units.

“The summit is also working for the advancement of the entire country. If the Nigerian federation is restructured with fewer units this country will achieve greater stability,” Anyaoku said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by governors of Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi and the deputy governor of Anambra state.

Other dignitaries that attended the event include former vice president, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Maj.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.).

ADVERTISEMENT

The rest are government officials from the five South East states, members of the state houses of assembly and others.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT