A recent projection shows that about 12 million are living in the North alone, and there is this concensus among different writers that Lagos population is made up of about 40 per cent Igbos. Another source claim there is over 40 per cent Igbos in the population of Nigerians in the Diaspora, 20 per cent in cities like Kano, Jos e.t.c. Collaborating the 40 per cent Igbos in Nigerians in diaspora, an informal survey showed that an average extended family in Igboland has atleast one family member outside the country
With a projected population of about 18 million by Lagos State Government, we can assume an Igbo population of 7.2 million in Lagos alone, over 3 million in Kano alone, leaving the other Northern states to share 8 million Igbos. With Lagos statistics we can safely assume, over another 11 million Igbos in the SW. This means about over 22 million Igbos living in the North and South West.
We are going to concisely discuss the social and economic benefits of this mobility.
Before we proceed, we are going to make one thing clear, using the exact words of Nnede, a former Wall Street Investment banker,
"The Igbos are simply very republic in nature, and would easily uproot themselves and their families to greener pastures without qualms. When I use the phrase greener pastures, it does not necessarily represent better-developed areas. Just better opportunities, and when they can't find one upon arrival would create one for themselves."
The number one blessing is that the Igbos can never be exterminated. With only about 35 per cent of their population living within the region, should anything happen to SE either by natural or unnatural means, the other 65 per cent though psychologically beaten will be there to continue the race.
Traveling is part of learning, especially with respect to human behavior. Through experiences garnered through traveling, South East has the most understanding of the behavior of the different tribes in the country. This explains why they are better traders in the country, even in West Africa, building the largest and busiest market in Africa (Onitsha Main Market, Onitsha) and the four Largest market in Nigeria (Ariria Int'l Market, Aba).
Nigerians in diaspora remitted into the country since 2015 stands at $20.8bn, which is about #14.519 trillion either for financial development projects or to assist family members. http://www.dailypost.ng/.../nigerians-diaspora-repatriate... using the above statistics of Igbos in diaspora, Igbos contributed to about $12.32 bn into Nigerian foreign reserve and repatriates over #8 trillion to families in the Eastern Nigeria, while the rest of the country shares about #2.5 bn at an average of about #900 bn for each of the 5 regions. This is one of the blessings that come from traveling.
There are massive Igbo investments all over the country. Infact, one report showed that there are about #44 trillion worth of Igbo investments in the North alone www.sunnewsonline.com/igbo-and-their-trapped-trillions/ While some people believe that those trillions are trapped, but the truth is they are not.
The main reason is that International laws allow global citizens to acquire and owe legitimately properties in any part of the world and two, no sane person will destroy an investment worth of #44 trillion.
Most of these investments are started with small capitals and cannot strive in the East, so it makes economic sense to site them in areas where comparative costs are lowest, instead of trying to invest the small capital in the East. Just like MTN repatriates profits to South Africa, Apple China to the USA, these investments will as well make repatriation down to the East, including their Corporate social responsibilities. This is because in Igbo land, no matter how rich you are, you are judged by your impact in your community, how many successful people you have groomed, the later is usually used to rate traders. If you have not trained a successful trader, you are counted as nothing. This is known as the 'Aku ruo ulo philosophy' it is the basis of the Igbo resilience.
Let assume, we have Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa. With Igbo investments scattered all over Nigeria before separation, Biafra will exert massive influence on the economy of Oduduwa and Arewa. This will grow into political influence with time when leveraged on properly. Repatriation from these countries will lead to a larger foreign reserve, which will translate into a stronger currency.
The population of Ndi Igbo is growing rapidly across the 5 other regions, if managed and leveraged on properly will lead to a politically and economically stronger EAST. While other regions have to open their eyes to the massive opportunities this offers, we shall continue to make this incursion, while repatriation the benefits home.
