The Southeast leader of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Ambassador Gabriel Uchenna Odi, has called for a renewed push to address the political marginalisation of the Igbo people, despite their proven economic strength and contributions to national development.
Speaking on the programme “Matters of the Moment” on Sunrise FM , Enugu, and monitored by EnuguDaily, Odi traced the historical trajectory of the Igbo—from being regarded as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world before the Nigerian Civil War, to the systemic setbacks experienced after 1970.
Odi spoke on the topic “Igbo Identity&Unity Within Nigeria:Addressing Political Divergence, Economic Disparities & Other Challenges”.
“Before the war, the Eastern Region was the fastest growing in the world. But after the conflict, our people were reduced to just £20 to start life afresh. From then till now, the Igbo have rebuilt, proving to be innovative, creative, industrious, and adventurous,” he said.
He highlighted how Igbo communities have spread across Nigeria and beyond, often becoming the second-largest population in many states outside their homeland. Yet, he lamented that politically, the group has been “shortchanged and trampled upon.”
“Since the end of the war, no Igbo has emerged as Nigeria’s president. Even when we make progress, seeds of discord are sown to divide us. What we want now is competence—leaders with a track record of transparency, accountability, and success—not just ethnic balancing,” Odi stressed.
The youth leader also addressed issues of identity within the South-South, particularly in Delta and Rivers States, where some communities have expressed a desire to realign with their Southeast kinsmen. He commended ongoing advocacy to resolve these questions of belonging, urging Southeast governors to support the inclusion of such groups in Igbo political and cultural identity.
On youth participation in governance, Odi criticised the recycling of old politicians at the expense of younger generations. “Our leaders started in their 20s and 30s, but today they refuse to leave the stage. The system is faulty, and that is why Nigeria remains backward. Youths are excelling globally, but here at home, they are denied opportunities,” he lamented.
Citing the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as an example of sincerity in leadership, Odi said Nigeria must reform its electoral system to reflect the will of the people. “Once leaders are genuinely elected by the people, you will see happiness and progress, just like what is happening in Abia State today,” he noted.
The discussion also touched on separatist agitations in the Southeast and argued that the solution lies not in secession but in restructuring Nigeria to ensure fairness.
“Even the Bible says, if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? We need to go back and renegotiate Nigeria, and the Igbo must be given their pride of place,” he concluded.
The discussion underlined the growing impatience among Igbo youths, who, while proud of their economic resilience, insist that Nigeria’s unity can only be sustained through justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
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