(Voice of Paul) – When I was younger, I used to wonder why many Igbo people around me chose to go into business rather than pursue higher education. In my family, education was always considered the key to success; my mom, for instance, retired as a headmistress of a primary school in Ibadan, Oyo State. She would bring home many storybooks from the library for us to read and then return them for a new set. However, reflecting on the Igbo preference for business over formal education, I now understand two major reasons for this choice
The first reason is rooted in the impact of the Biafran War, a topic that I won’t delve into here. If I were born into an Igbo family and heard the stories of the Biafran conflict, I would likely share the same sentiments about the agitation for Biafra. Although I am not originally Igbo, and my participation in this cause is limited, I support the idea of an independent Biafran nation.
The second reason is that the Igbo people may view the Western education system as a form of mental colonialism. Many schools in Nigeria focus on teaching us how to read, write, and perform arithmetic, while also imparting British cultural norms—such as tying a tie and using cutlery—while neglecting our own history, culture, and lifestyle. This perception might have led some to believe that embracing Western education is not the only path to success.
Despite this, the Igbo have made remarkable strides in manufacturing and industry. They produce a wide range of products, including shoes, bags, TVs, smartphones, and vehicles. Notably, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, the founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, has developed indigenously designed and manufactured Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Nnewi, Enugu State. Without bias or ethnic prejudice, this man deserves immense support from the Nigerian government and all Nigerians.
Governor Charles Soludo is a notable supporter of the Innoson Vehicle brand, and I believe all Nigerians should be as well. Embracing Innoson’s CNG buses can benefit every Nigerian. Historically, wealth and power have been influenced by control over resources and markets. By relying on foreign products, we transfer our wealth and resources to other countries, which then influence our economic and social conditions. Conversely, if we support local industries and consume homegrown products, we retain and recycle our wealth within Nigeria. This can lead to increased prosperity, industrialization, and a stronger national economy.
Our ethnic origins—whether Efik, Ibibio, Igbo, Delta, Hausa, Tiv, Yoruba, or Fulani—should not divide us. We are all bound together by the legacy of colonialism, and breaking up the country would be a self-destructive endeavor. By prospering together, we can embrace and benefit from our diversity, fostering innovative industrialization that will lift our nation out of poverty in record time.
