ONITSHA, Anambra State — Popular cleric Prophet Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, widely known as Odumeje, has criticised the Federal Government over what he described as the marginalisation of the Igbo people, questioning the distribution of major infrastructure projects between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria.
Odumeje expressed concern over the region’s access to major infrastructure, including international airports and seaports, arguing that the South-East’s strong commercial and entrepreneurial tradition should be matched with greater investment in facilities that support trade and economic growth.
“Business people is Igbo people. Nigeria has done a lot of damages to Igbo people,” the cleric said.
He also questioned the decision to advance plans for a deep seaport in Ogun State, asking why such a major maritime investment was being pursued outside the South-East, which he described as a region known for business activities.
“Seaport was signed for Lagos. The seaport signed by federal government. Even I think there’s a new one that the new government to sign now. Ogun State. Why are they signing it in Ogun State? Ogun State, are they business people?” he asked.
Odumeje further challenged older generations to consider the legacy they would leave for their children, urging them to speak up for their communities and demand what they believe are their rights.
“We are fathers. We are no more boys, and we can’t live here forever, and our children will question us: What have we done for their rights?” he said.
His comments come amid renewed discussions about regional infrastructure distribution and the need to expand economic opportunities across Nigeria.
On September 24, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Ogun State Government and global ports operator DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. The Federal Government said the projects were intended to ease pressure on existing ports, improve logistics and support manufacturing and exports.
The agreement places the proposed Ogun seaport within a broader investment plan, but it does not by itself establish that the project has been completed or is operational.
Odumeje’s remarks have brought fresh attention to calls for stronger infrastructure investment in the South-East. His claims about the region’s comparative access to facilities, however, reflect his assessment and should be considered alongside verifiable information on existing infrastructure and government projects across the country.
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