A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro has called for the inclusion of ethnicity and religion in the 2025 National Population Census describing it as essential categories.
In a statement signed by him and made available to LEADERSHIP, Isiguzoro maintained that the inclusion was vital for producing accurate and unbiased demographic data of Igbo population.
He said it was essential that the federal government takes proactive measures to ensure that the 2025 Census accurately reflects the nation’s full spectrum of diversity, mitigating any potential disputes from skewed or disproportionate demographic data.
“It is of paramount importance to include ethnicity and religion as essential categories in the census exercise.
“Historical grievances linked to previous National Population Census exercises—marked by fraudulent representations and distortions of demographic data—must not persist.
“It is essential that the Federal Government takes proactive measures to ensure that the 2025 Census accurately reflects our nation’s full spectrum of diversity, mitigating any potential disputes from skewed or disproportionate demographic data,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of a transformative restructuring of Nigeria through the establishment of Six Geopolitical Zonal Development Commissions.
“This initiative represents a critical acknowledgment of our nation’s diverse fabric and seeks to address enduring imbalances among its myriad ethnic groups,” he said.
He encouraged Igbo investors to capitalise on the Tinubu administration’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, which present a significant opportunity to redirect Igbo investments back to the homeland.
“We call upon Igbo investors and entrepreneurs, as part of their New Year’s resolutions, to commit to the establishment of an international economic hub in Igbo Land through the relocation of investments—particularly those in the North and Southwest—back to our ancestral territory.
“This initiative is not merely an aspirational pursuit, but a critical shift from a historical narrative that has seen Igbo capital languishing outside its rightful domain.
“It is imperative that we prioritize the revitalization of our local economies, ensuring our financial engagements promote growth and resilience within the Igbo Nation,” he advocated.
