By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Igbo philanthropists to shift their focus from sharing food items to empowering people through farming.
The secessionist group’s admonition followed the tragic incident in Okija, Anambra State, where over 22 women and children reportedly lost their lives in a stampede while collecting free food items distributed by philanthropist Obi Jackson.
In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group sympathized with the families and relations of the victims, while exonerating Obi Jackson of any wrongdoing.
According to Powerful, Obi Jackson’s philanthropic efforts have been ongoing for years and should not be discouraged or demonized.
IPOB noted that Obi Jackson’s annual Christmas food distribution to women in the Okija community and beyond has been a welcome gesture.
The group emphasized that in a functioning country, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that poverty is not exploited.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the government has failed its citizens, leading to the rise of philanthropists like Obi Jackson who provide palliatives to alleviate poverty,” Powerful said
The group blamed the Nigerian government for perpetuating poverty, which has resulted in the deaths of over 80 Nigerians in December 2024 alone.
IPOB encouraged wealthy Igbo to support struggling youths in meaningful endeavours and employment, and to invest in Alaigbo to create job opportunities.
IPOB stressed the importance of empowering people to reduce hunger and poverty, rather than creating a culture of dependency.
The group urged Igbo philanthropists to provide seedlings for planting, enabling people to produce their own food and become self-sufficient.
By promoting the Agricultural and Industrial Revolution, IPOB believes that Ndigbo and Biafrans can address the state-sponsored exploitation of poverty in Nigeria.
Citing the age-old adage, “teach a man how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime, but if you give a man a fish, he will only eat one meal,” IPOB encouraged Igbo philanthropists to adopt a sustainable approach, empowering people to become self-sufficient rather than relying on handouts.
The secessionist group reiterated its call for Ndigbo and Biafrans to drive the Agricultural and Industrial Revolution, tackling the root causes of poverty and building a brighter future for themselves
