Igbo Future Crisis: Why the South East is Losing Its Best Minds
Igbo Future Crisis | Forget those Nollywood movies like Love in Every Word that paint a dreamy picture of Igbo wealth and influence. The reality in the South East tells a different story. While these films create compelling narratives of Igbo success, they do not reflect the lack of strategic planning in the region. The truth is, Igbo land is not intentional about its future.
The Problem with the “Odogwu” Narrative
For years, Nollywood has depicted Igbo men as Odogwus—powerful, wealthy figures who command respect. But what happens beyond the screen?
Take Afamefuna, the much-celebrated film about the Igbo apprenticeship system. It was shot in Lagos, produced by a Yoruba filmmaker, and left Igbo people in Aba and Onitsha with nothing but debates about whether it was a hit or a miss. Meanwhile, when an Igbo-led project finally makes waves, it is often spearheaded by outsiders. Love in Every Word—a film that highlights the humorous side of Igbo men—was crafted by a 46-year-old Edo woman. Would an Igbo filmmaker have received the same level of support?
This points to a bigger issue. If an outsider had approached wealthy Igbo elites for sponsorship, they would have been turned down. In the South East, investment conversations often revolve around one question: “If I put one naira, how much will I get back?” The real question should be: “Why should I invest in this?”
The Exodus of Creative Minds
When I returned to Onitsha, I had big dreams for young talents in the region. I worked with brilliant minds like Iveanyirochukwu, Jika, Gwen, Chimdi, and Donnia. I saw passion in Ifunanya, who hosted the first Onitsha Literary Show. Every day, I told Mandy that we would make an impact. But today, all of them—except Donnia—have left the South East. They made the right choice because there was nothing here for them. Now, they thrive in cities that recognize and support their potential.
This brain drain is affecting every sector. Even those whose parents were wealthy in the 90s no longer “vibe” with Onitsha. When I met an old friend in December, he admitted that he still connects with Onitsha people—but only those who left. Like evaporation cools water, the departure of creative minds has left the South East dry and uninspired.
A Region That Fails Its Own
If you join any South East Twitter Space, you’ll hear young people discussing crowdfunding for projects in a region perceived as rich. But how rich is a place with no solid independent media and little support for young creatives?
I collaborate with many communities in the South East, and I know their struggles. Hosting an event here means dipping into personal savings because financial backing is nearly impossible. The so-called Odogwus rarely invest in innovation. I know a lady from Onitsha who won a global tech award. When someone introduced her to a top Anambra businessman, he dismissed her achievements, saying, “You can’t beat Americans and Chinese in tech.” He didn’t even bother to verify her claims. Yet, the same man would happily donate hundreds of millions to events where his name would be announced with a megaphone.
The Illusion of Wealth
Igbos should be ashamed of stories that celebrate ostentatious lifestyles while ignoring real progress. We are becoming like puff-puff—big on the outside, hollow inside. While other regions focus on growth, Anambra’s wealthy elite compete over who can host the grandest burial ceremony.
The stereotype of the wise and wealthy Igbo man is an outdated, exaggerated cliché. Nollywood feeds us this ego-bone while keeping the meat for themselves. But wisdom is not allowing weeds to overrun your father’s house.
What the Future Holds
As things stand, in five years, only three types of young Onitsha residents will still be here:
- Those whose wealthy parents force them to stay.
- Those who get lucky with a business.
- Those who have no close relatives in other cities.
Despite these challenges, I appreciate the few organizations and individuals still fighting for progress in the South East. We have stretched you, and we know it. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed.
But for the South East to thrive, real change must happen. The Igbo Future Crisis is real, and if nothing is done, the best and brightest will continue to seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving the region stagnant.
The time for change is now. Will the South East rise to the challenge, or will it remain stuck in the cycle of missed opportunities?
Igbo Future Crisis
