Kanayo O. Kanayo, also known as Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, a veteran Nollywood actor, has expressed his belief that abolishing the emphasis on state of origin in Nigeria could benefit the country.
According to him, focusing on a person's intelligence quotient (IQ) rather than their state of origin would be more beneficial in employment decisions.
He questions the relevance of one's state of origin when assessing qualifications, suggesting that merit and ability should take precedence over regional identity.
Kanayo O. Kanayo further highlights a concern about the stigmatization faced by individuals of Igbo descent, suggesting that being Igbo has become a marginalized or endangered identity in the context of how people are judged based on their origins rather than their merit.
By advocating for a shift towards valuing individuals based on their capabilities and not their ethnic backgrounds, he underscores the importance of promoting a more inclusive and merit-based society in Nigeria.
In a report from PMNews, Kanayo said, “So if we abolish state of origin in Nigeria, we will be better as a country. What has it got to do with state of origin when you’re employing somebody? It’s the IQ we’re looking for. So being Igbo has become an endangered specie. Because I’m now judged by where I come from, not by what I have to offer."