Political commentator Tonnie Oganah has reflected on the resilience and economic success of the Igbo people, noting the dramatic transformation from post-war hardship to prosperity.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Oganah recalled that after the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970, Igbos were given only £20 each, regardless of the amount they had in their bank accounts before the conflict.
“Remember that immediately after the war, we were given only £20, but today what do you have?. Do you know the state that has the highest number of billionaires in Nigeria?, let me tell you, Anambra State, and they are not even in government,” Oganah said.
The £20 policy, implemented by the federal government at the time, was widely criticized for its devastating economic impact on the Igbo population who had already suffered massive losses during the war. It left many without capital to rebuild their lives and businesses.
Oganah highlighted that despite this setback, the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit has propelled individuals and communities to remarkable success over the decades. He pointed to Anambra State as a testament to this resilience, describing it as the Nigerian state with the highest concentration of billionaires, many of whom built their fortunes through commerce, industry and innovation.
Economic experts often cite the Igbo diaspora’s strong trading networks, reinvestment in local communities and emphasis on apprenticeship as factors behind this remarkable recovery. Anambra, home to major markets like Onitsha Main Market and thriving industrial hubs has become a symbol of self-reliance and wealth creation.
Oganah’s remarks serve as both a reminder of the injustices faced by the Igbos after the war and a celebration of their determination to overcome adversity. For him, the story of Anambra’s billionaires is proof that a people’s resilience can turn historical loss into enduring economic strength.
