Hello, friends, I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, and I want to share my thoughts on a recent issue that has caused me some concern. This isn’t something I usually rush to comment on, but I feel it’s important to address it, especially for the sake of the wonderful people of Igbo land. I usually don’t make videos on such topics, but this time, it felt like a disservice not to.
So, here’s the issue: Dr. Reuben Abati, a respected journalist, made a sweeping statement on national television, claiming that “Igbo people don’t sell land to non-indigenes.” This kind of blanket generalization is not only wrong but also harmful. It’s an example of what we call a “fallacy of hasty generalization”, where one isolated incident is used to form a conclusion about an entire group of people.
In this case, Dr. Abati was simply repeating a claim made by a former Minister of Information, who mentioned that his in-laws didn’t sell him land. From that, he concluded that Igbo people don’t sell land to outsiders. This is a glaring mistake. A closer look at history and even recent events paints a completely different picture.
For instance, the people of Ihu Okwu, from where the former Minister’s wife hails, donated land to him to build a post office — land that is still there today. I know this because I am familiar with the area. So, when Dr. Abati repeats such a claim without fact-checking or understanding the full context, it becomes misleading and unfair. It’s a case of irresponsible journalism, and it gets worse when he dismisses attempts to correct him with a condescending attitude.
As someone who has spent years living and working in different parts of Nigeria — including in various parts of Igbo land — I can confidently say that this portrayal of Igbo people as “land hoarders” is far from the truth. In fact, I’ve personally bought land in places like Umuahia, Aba, and other Igbo towns. One particular incident stands out when a conman tried to intimidate me into giving up land I had purchased. Thanks to the support of an honest local named Papa Superb, my land was protected. This is just one of many examples showing how land dealings in Igbo land are handled with respect and integrity.
Moreover, during my time as a Medical Officer in Aba, I treated patients from all walks of life, many of whom were non-Indigenous Nigerians who had settled in the area and bought land. My friend, Pastor Felix, from Ado State, built a house in Aba, and many others from various parts of Nigeria also own property there.
The narrative that “Igbo people don’t sell land to non-indigenes” is not only wrong but unjust. It’s based on a misunderstanding of the facts. Some Igbo communities may be cautious about selling large plots of land, especially in areas where land is scarce, but this is a very different issue from outright refusal to sell land to outsiders.
It’s also important to mention that many Igbo people are entrepreneurs who live and work in different parts of Nigeria and abroad. They often return home to invest in their communities, contributing to the local economy. This is why you’ll see many Igbo landowners building homes and businesses not just for themselves, but for others too.
What Dr. Abati and others like him fail to realize is that such broad generalizations do more harm than good. They create division and perpetuate stereotypes that prevent us from truly understanding and appreciating the diversity and complexity of Nigeria’s different ethnic groups. Instead of painting entire communities with a single brush, we should strive to understand and respect the unique stories of every region.
The issue of tribalism is something that continues to plague our nation, and it’s time we had an honest conversation about it. Too often, people who make sweeping, negative statements about other tribes have never actually lived among them. Dr. Abati’s statement is a prime example of this. He doesn’t know Igbo land the way I do, nor does he understand the intricate and diverse relationships that exist within the community.
This isn’t just an academic issue; it’s a matter of real-world consequences. People who speak carelessly on national platforms must be held accountable for the damage their words can cause. If a journalist with a platform like Dr. Abati’s makes such a claim without thorough research, it reflects poorly on the integrity of the media.
At the same time, we must recognize that the Igbo community — like any community — is not without its challenges. However, we must not let these challenges define us. The Igbo people, like all Nigerians, are generous, industrious, and welcoming. And as much as I acknowledge the struggles we face, I will not stand by and let tribal bigotry define my people.
As we move forward, we must embrace each other as Nigerians, beyond our ethnic and tribal differences. We are all part of the same beautiful, diverse nation, and it’s important that we treat each other with respect, empathy, and fairness.
In conclusion, I urge Dr. Abati, and anyone else who shares his views, to take a moment to reconsider their stance. Before making sweeping statements about an entire group of people, it’s crucial to do proper research, listen to the voices of those affected, and strive for accuracy. Only then can we begin to heal the divisions in our society.
Thank you for reading, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me. God bless you all, and God bless Nigeria.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to join my upcoming webinar on December 6th and 7th. For more details, you can contact me at +234 82121 9262.
Remember, I have properties for sale, and I look forward to connecting with you.
Stay blessed!
Dr. Charles Apoki.
