President Jonathan has said that Ndigbo are the pillar of his administration and the biggest investors in the Nigerian economy.
He made the remarks at this year’s Igbo Day hosted by Ohaneze Ndigbo on Wednesday in Enugu.
He spoke through the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo.
President Jonathan expressed thanks to Ndigbo for, ”being the greatest pillar of support to my person and administration. My administration has taken cognizance of the unalloyed support of the Igbo. Igbo is the ethnic group that has supported my administration greatly and I promise that it will not be taken for granted”.
“This is evident in the level of Federal attention the infrastructure in the south-east is receiving as exemplified and in the roads, commencement of international operations at the Akanu-Ibiam airport, Enugu, the dredging of the river Niger to boost inland water ways transport. The Akanu-Ibiam airport will have all the trappings of an international airport. Federal Government is working assiduously to build Aerotropolis and inject vibrancy at the cargo terminals, befitting of international standards”, said Mr. President.
He said Igbos are the biggest investors in Nigeria and explained that,’Igbo carry the banner of Christianity and culture as they traverse the country in search of greener pastures typical of a republican’.
He called on Igbo youth to shun the vices of kidnapping, armed robbery and assassination and instead imbibe the virtues of their forbearers.
Governor of Enugu state, Barr. Sullivan Chime represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe Mamelu urged,”Igbo to uphold the practice of speaking Igbo language wherever they find themselves to forestall the language from going into extinction”.