Apex lgbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advocated for inclusion of ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming census.

The group also called on lgbo investors to champion the establishment of an international economic hub in the south-East zone.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu lsiguzoro, he commended the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in initiating a significant restructuring of Nigeria through the establishment of the six geopolitical zones Development Commissions.

According to Ohanaeze’s statement, “this initiative represents a crucial acknowledgment of the diverse tapestry of our nation and addresses historic imbalances among the various ethnic groups.”

However, Ohanaeze asserted that the true realization of the noble aspirations would hinge on the eagerly anticipated 2025 National Population Census.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly emphasizes the necessity of including ethnicity and religion as integral categories in the census exercise.

“Such inclusivity is not merely a statistical formality, it is essential for generating accurate demographic data that reflects the true representation of the Igbo population and other diverse ethnicities scattered across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

“The painful memories of previous National Population Census exercises, marred by fraudulent representations and distortions of ethnic numerical data, must not be repeated.

“It is, therefore, quintessential that the Federal Government adopts proactive measures to ensure that the 2025 Census faithfully reflects the rich diversity of our nation, thereby minimizing potential disputes arising from disproportionate demographic portrayals.

“In embracing economic opportunities, we urge our Igbo brethren to recognize and leverage the Tinubu administration’s proposed Tax Reforms Bill.

“This initiative presents a golden opportunity to redirect Igbo investments back to our homeland— a necessary pivot from the historical neglect that saw our investments languish in other regions.

“This endeavor is not merely aspirational; it is an urgent call to action aimed at revitalizing our local economies and fostering sustainable growth within the Igbo Nation,” Ohanaeze stated.

Isiguzoro added that Ohanaeze Ndigbo remained steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

On the forthcoming Ohanaeze election, Isigguzoro said “recent attempts by specific Southeast Governors to impose a President General from outside Rivers State, particularly from Egbema, Imo State, threaten to undermine the very essence of Igbo identity and core values.

“Such political maneuverings that seek to diminish the rightful claims of indigenous Igbos of Rivers State are untenable.

“We will vigorously resist any imposition that contravenes the Constitution of Ohanaeze and undermines the heritage and aspirations of our people.”

2025 Census: Ohanaeze demands inclusion of ethnicity, religion