According to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo people are the most valuable ethnic group in Nigeria, contributing more to the GDP and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) than any other ethnic group in the country.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, on his first official visit to Rivers State since becoming president general of the supreme Igbo socio-cultural organization, told reporters in Port Harcourt that the Igbo people are everywhere and that everyone has learned to appreciate them as friendly neighbours.
According to Arise News, he said that the Igbo people are full of spirit and have enterprises all over Nigeria.
The Igbo chief said that his people are trustworthy and loyal, and that they help advance communities wherever they settle.
He said, "Apart from where we live, Igbos are people who are very adventurous and their businesses are spread all over the country. They are very loyal and faithful and honest people. And wherever they live, they pursue their occupation and businesses, they also contribute massively to the development of those areas.
"It is clear from the records that no ethnic group in Nigeria contributes more to the IGR and GDP of various governments in the country than the Igbos. They stay there and develop the place."
The Ohanaeze's dedication to safeguarding Igbo interests globally was also reaffirmed by him. He explained that the Ohanaeze's primary mission is to protect Igbo communities from outside attack.