President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, on Wednesday said that people of the Igbo extraction were the worst hit in the country economically, politically and otherwise in Nigeria despite their contributions to the growth and development of the country.

Nwodo, who spoke at the opening of Igbo Village and Center for African Civilization at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, lamented the level of marginalisation and ill treatment being meted out to Igbo people in the country.

Nwodo noted that the average Igbo man is not only industrious, adventurous and daring, but also courageous, enterprising and versatile. According to him, the rare qualities which the Igbo possess have made them the source of envy and jealousy from other tribes in the country.

The Ohanaeze President General cited moribund industries in the South East zone, which include Premier Breweries, Onitsha; Nigercem, Nkalagu; and Golden Breweries, Umuahia as industries that were no longer functioning as a result of Igbo marginalisation.

On the way forward he said: “The solution to the problems would not be found in another war, but in proper restructuring of the country; that is what Ohanaeze had been clamouring for.

“We cannot afford to experience another civil war. I will rather die than allow these youths to be killed. There are two types of warfare, the diplomatic and civil war. What I am fighting is the diplomatic war.

“I charge on Igbo youths to emulate the outstanding virtues of the late Igbo icons, who are celebrated at this event. They could have been forgotten long ago if not for the rare qualities they possessed.

“We are known for our industry and technical advancement. We are adventurous. We dare. We are versatile because we have foresight, we are courageous.

“Those that are being celebrated today dared and had the I-can-do-it spirit. Don’t settle for mediocrity and inferiority. Aspire for the best so you too can be celebrated.”

Speaking on the theme, “What Igbo are identified for”, the Ohanaeze President observed that the first attribute of an Igbo man is cleverness, noting that Igbos are not known for laziness.

He urged Igbo youths to strive to excel in whatever they do, saying that in today’s world, knowledge is the key because the time has passed when help came easily.

Nwodo assured that Ohanaeze would partner with UNIZIK to raise money to execute the project, adding that every Igbo hero would have his ancestral hut (Obi) built in his name in the village.

He said that departed Igbo icons to be honoured at the center include Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, General Aguiyi Ironsi, Dr. Michael. Okpara, King Jaja of Opobo, Dr. Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Professor Kenneth Dike, Professor Chinua Achebe, among others.

In his speech, the Director of the center, Rev. Fr. Bonachristus Umeogu, said the center was created to preserve and foster Igbo dignity among the people who speak Igbo Language and whose way of life and existence were embedded in Igbo tradition and culture.

Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, regretted that though Igbo had excelled in every sphere in human endeavour, they were surprisingly losing their identity.