The political and socio-economic crises plaguing Nigeria since independence have been attributed to a lack of love, unity, and peaceful coexistence among its major ethnic groups.
This assertion was made by Sir Kinze Isaac Okonkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UcheKinze Nigeria Limited, during an exclusive interview with Oodua News in Ibadan over the weekend.
According to Okonkwo, the absence of love, trust, and unity has hindered the nation’s growth and development since it gained independence. He added that unless Nigerians change their mindset and embrace oneness, the situation is likely to persist.
“Nigerians, regardless of color, tribe, or belief, need to come together to resolve their differences and move forward,” he said. “We cannot continue like this and expect positive outcomes.”
He further emphasized the need to address hate speech, tribalism, and nepotism—issues that have long threatened national unity and security. “If we truly love one another, we will work and live together. With love and unity, we can achieve great things in Nigeria,” Okonkwo noted.
Sir Okonkwo, a native of Nnewi in Anambra State, also addressed the calls for separation by some groups in Nigeria. He urged people to abandon such thoughts, reconcile past grievances, and focus on progress.
“What I have seen in Nigeria gives me no joy. It has often felt like we cannot succeed unless we align with certain groups, especially from the North. This mindset is outdated. We need to let go of these old stories, settle our differences, and move forward.”
He stressed that peace and unity are essential for progress. “Where there is no peace and unity, there can be no development.”
Okonkwo called for mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Nigeria, urging the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa to see one another as brothers and foster love across the federation.
“Like I always say, Oyo State is my home. I have been here for about 49 years, and the people have been good to me. Every part of Nigeria should feel like home to all Nigerians. To achieve this, we must be united and genuinely love one another.”
Sir Okonkwo also discussed his peace-building efforts within the Igbo community in Oyo State, where internal conflicts have created divisions. He expressed confidence that the leadership crises rocking the Ndigbo community would soon be resolved, noting that steps are being taken to ensure lasting peace.
“When the leadership crisis began, I chose to remain neutral so I could mediate when the time was right. In fact, I want the entire Southern Nigeria to unite. Right now, there is no real love or unity among the people of the region,” he observed.
While urging Igbos in Oyo State to come together, Sir Okonkwo also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his remarkable achievements since assuming office. He called on both indigenes and non-indigenes in the state to support the governor’s transformative agenda.
In conclusion, Sir Okonkwo congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige I, on his ascension to the throne as the 43rd Olubadan. He prayed for the monarch’s long life and continued contributions to the development of Ibadan and the state at large.
