By Theo Rays
In view of the continued marginalization of the Igbo tribe also refered as the people of the Southeast geopolitical zone in the scheme of things in Nigeria, renowned industrialist and elder statesman, Dr Chike Obidigbo has called for unity and more collective selfless service embedded in sacriifice for the fatherland.
Speaking to journalists on the present and future of Ndigbo in Nigeria, Dr Obidigbo who is the founder of Osisioma Foundation pointed out that the current sutuation of things in Nigeria where Ndigbo are sidelined and relegated to the backseat demands for all hands to be deck with everybody dropping his or her personal interest to work for collective interest of the Igbo region
He identified selfishness with quest for positions and money in personal pocket driven by the mentality of “I before others” (IBO) among the people as one of the banes hindering the progesss of Ndigbo noting that the situation of things will improve if the people can muster the courage to drop IBO and take up the cross to collectively work for overall interest of the Igbo region.
The elder statesman went further to advise on the benefit of people renderring selfless service for the good of others and putting work first ahead of money adding that the philosophy of good business has it that it is much better to put work first ahead money becuase money follows work and where there is work there is money.
Hear him “I studied business in one of the most notable business schools in the world and one of the major thing that i learnt from the business school is that money follows work not the other way round of putting money first ahead of work So for us to give effective response to the challenges facing us as Ndigbo, we must have to put work first ahead of money”
He cited those who according to him are currently at the forefront in the struggle for Igbo emancipation as a typical example of those who have put work first ahead of money adding for instance that money is not the interest of the leader of Indigenous of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently in detention following the agitation for Igbo emancipation.
He described the continued marginalization of Southeast zone in Nigeria as pathetic and unacceptable insisting that it is time for Ndigbo all over the world to rise up and selfessly take up the cross for the service of the fatherland.
