“The only way I see Nigeria moving forward” — Kanayo

Renowned Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has sparked conversations with his bold statement that Nigeria will make significant progress when an Igbo person becomes president.

Speaking on the podcast “The Honest Bunch,” Kanayo discussed the impact of being Igbo and Nigerian, emphasizing the potential benefits of an Igbo presidency for the nation.

Kanayo addressed what he termed “Igbophobia,” the perceived exclusion of Igbos from presidential aspirations, labeling it a theoretical concept. He highlighted the industrious nature of the Igbo people, often referred to as the “Jews of this part of the world,” and their ability to transform small businesses into thriving enterprises.

“Being Igbo means I come from a region with a shared dialect among the Hausa, Fulani, and other groups,” Kanayo said. “We are a special people, everything we touch prospers. Despite misconceptions, we don’t seek to take over Lagos; we have our ancestral homes.”

The Nollywood actor called for the abolition of the state of origin in Nigeria, arguing that it hampers national unity and progress. “A New Yorker is a New Yorker regardless of origin. In Nigeria, we should focus on what people have to offer, not where they come from,” he stated.

He also responded to comments made during the last elections, highlighting the biases faced by the Igbo community. “The content of a person should be what matters. The day an Igbo man becomes president, Nigeria will discover its true potential,” Kanayo asserted.