Dr. Sam Amadi, a renowned academic and policymaker, has called on the Igbo community to prioritize rebuilding their economic and technological strength over pursuing political power. Speaking during a lecture at the Center for Memory, Dr. Amadi stressed the importance of recovering the social capital that once made the Igbo people one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
He highlighted the concept of “dynamism,” as defined by Nobel Laureate Edmund Phelps, as the key to achieving global economic and technological prominence. “Ibos need recovery of the social capital that made it the fastest-growing economy in the world. Not pursuit of Biafra or Nigerian presidency. Be a global economic and tech power,” Dr. Amadi stated.
Dr. Amadi’s statement comes amid ongoing agitations by some quarters of the Igbo nation. Many within the Southeast region have pushed for secession under the banner of Biafra, citing perceived marginalization in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Separately, other groups within the Igbo community have consistently called for the region to produce Nigeria’s next president, emphasizing equity and national unity as reasons for their demand.
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Amadi’s position, however, offers a different perspective. By urging the Igbo to focus on economic and technological advancements, he suggests that global influence and prosperity can be achieved without necessarily relying on political dominance. His argument provides a roadmap for redefining the Igbo people’s place in Nigeria and the world, leveraging their historical entrepreneurial prowess and innovative capacity.
