Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to claims about his alleged Igbo ancestry, stating that the rumors made him laugh.
He shared his reaction during a meeting with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a group representing major markets in Lagos State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo briefly addressed the paternity rumors, saying, “It just makes me laugh.”
He also emphasized his belief that no one in Nigeria should be excluded from any part of the country, affirming that “we own this country together.”
During the meeting, Obasanjo revealed that the group’s leadership had approached him to support the establishment of the Owerri Central Market, which is envisioned to be the best of its kind in the country.
He noted that plans for the market had been in the works since the creation of Imo State but had not yet been realized.
However, he expressed optimism that the project would finally come to fruition, stating, “It is going to be big, the first of its kind.”
“And, I am happy also that the governor is showing the desired interest and understanding. And, I am confident that the Owerri Central Market will be, as he expressed the desire to lead the marketing team for the market.
Obasanjo said he doesn’t believe anybody in Nigeria should be driven away from any part of the country asserting that, “we own this country together “
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“Having ensured that the Yorubas, Igbos and Hausas all came together to fight the war of unity in Nigeria, and “not to fight Igbos to go, but to come. So if anybody says to me, that somebody should leave any place, he will be the one to leave.”
In his remarks, the group’s spokesperson, Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, who read a letter co-signed by Comrade Chinedu Ukatu and Evangelist Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor, emphasized that the market would become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He assured the group’s commitment to contributing to the growth of both the market and the nation.
Emmanuel also appealed to the former President for support in realizing the international market, which has the potential to uplift many from the streets.
Additionally, Emmanuel noted that the former President’s assistance would be instrumental in helping their members secure loans to purchase shops and spaces within the market.
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