Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the Igbo people as “the greatest stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” stating that their presence, investments, and population across major Nigerian cities place them at the centre of national development.
Speaking at the Imo Economic Stakeholders Summit in Owerri, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima praised the economic strength and nationwide spread of the Igbo community. He asserted that Ndigbo have played an unmatched role in building major cities, especially Abuja and Lagos.
According to him, “Half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo, and half of the population of Lagos is largely made up of the Igbo.” He added that there is virtually no part of Nigeria where Ndigbo are not contributing to commerce, growth and community life.
The Vice President emphasised that the administration recognises the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people and remains committed to policies that promote unity, inclusion and business-friendly reforms across the country. He noted that Nigeria cannot progress without the full participation of every region and every major ethnic group.
Shettima urged stakeholders in the South-East to continue engaging with government initiatives, assuring them that the Tinubu administration values their contributions and remains open to stronger partnerships for national prosperity.
