Igbos Greatest Stakeholders in Nigerian Project, Development Says Shettima
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has described the Igbo people as “the greatest stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” highlighting their widespread economic, social, and educational contributions across the country.
Speaking at a summit in Owerri on Thursday, Shettima praised Ndigbo for their entrepreneurial spirit, mobility, and strong educational achievements, saying their involvement strengthens Nigeria’s unity and development.
Shettima emphasised that Igbos are present in virtually every part of the country, using their broad geographic presence to underscore their integral role in national progress.
“There is hardly any place in this country where you do not find an Igbo person,” he said, a remark intended to illustrate the community’s extensive participation in economic and social life across Nigeria.
While the Vice President’s comments celebrating the Igbos’ influence and contribution were widely reported, claims circulating on social media that he stated “half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo” could not be independently verified from reputable news sources covering the event.
Reports from major Nigerian news outlets focused on his broader praise for the Igbos’ role as key contributors to the country’s development, without citing any figures regarding property ownership in Abuja or elsewhere.
Shettima’s remarks follow a series of national conversations about ethnic representation and contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development. Observers note that his statements could be seen as an effort to foster inclusivity and recognise the vital role of all ethnic groups in the country’s ongoing development projects.
The Vice President’s message underscores the significance of Ndigbo as active participants in Nigeria’s growth, highlighting their economic, educational, and social engagement nationwide, even as debates continue over demographic representation and property ownership in major urban centres.
