Recent claim that the Igbo community owns 99% of Lagos has sparked widespread debate and amusement among Nigerians. The assertion, made by an unknown source, quickly went viral on social media, prompting responses from various quarters, including notable political figures….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Lagos, known as Nigeria’s commercial hub, is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, with the Yoruba being the indigenous population. The Igbo, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, have a significant presence in Lagos, contributing to the city’s vibrant economy. However, the claim that they own nearly all of Lagos has been met with skepticism and humor.
Public Reaction
A popular reaction came from a member of the Igbo community, who humorously downplayed the claim. “I be Igbo, but Me hearing Igbo owns 99% of Lagos is laughable,” he said, reflecting the general sentiment of incredulity.
Another respondent, Chukwudi Nwankwo, a businessman in Lagos, added, “We have many Igbo people doing well in Lagos, but to say we own 99% is just not true. Lagos is a shared space where everyone is contributing to its development.”
Political Responses
The claim also caught the attention of prominent political figures. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bola Tinubu, a key political leader in Lagos and a former governor, both found humor in the assertion.
In a recent interview, Tinubu remarked, “Abeg make I join Tinubu and Jonathan laugh small,” referring to himself in the third person and highlighting the absurdity of the claim. He further added, “Lagos is a city built by many hands. The Yoruba are the original settlers, but people from all over Nigeria have made it their home. That’s what makes Lagos special.”
Former President Jonathan shared a similar sentiment, stating, “Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria. It’s a place where every ethnic group has a stake and contributes to its success. These kinds of claims only serve to divide us, and we must focus on unity.”
Economic Contributions
The Igbo community’s contributions to Lagos’s economy are undeniable. They dominate key sectors such as trade, manufacturing, and real estate. Their entrepreneurial prowess has led to significant investments in the city, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
However, attributing the city’s ownership to a single ethnic group oversimplifies the complex dynamics of Lagos’s growth. “The success of Lagos is due to the collective efforts of its residents, regardless of their ethnic background,” said Dr. Funmilayo Olumide, an economist based in Lagos. “We should celebrate the diversity that drives our economic engine rather than making divisive statements.”
The debate over who owns Lagos underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of all ethnic groups to the city’s development. While the claim that the Igbo own 99% of Lagos may have sparked laughter and debate, it also highlights the need for unity and collaboration in building a prosperous future for all Lagosians. As the city continues to grow, its strength will lie in its diversity and the shared efforts of all its people….READ FULL ARTICLE
