“Nigeria, as a failed state, has left citizens in extreme poverty, forcing private individuals like Obi Jackson to step in. The tragic loss of lives is not his fault, but future events must prioritize safety, proper planning, and decentralized distribution methods,” the statement read.
IPOB recommended that future palliative distributions be decentralized, with allocations made directly to individual villages instead of being centralized at one venue, to prevent overcrowding.
They also stressed the need for robust security and effective crowd control measures during these events.
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IPOB called on wealthy Igbo individuals to provide seedlings for farming, support youth employment, and invest in industries and businesses within the Southeast to create lasting economic opportunities.
IPOB reiterated its stance on activating an Agricultural and Industrial Revolution in the region.
They encouraged Igbo investors to relocate their factories, businesses, and agencies back to Alaigbo, creating employment opportunities for the youth and fostering economic independence.
“We must not create a culture of dependency. The Igbo people are known for hard work and resilience. We must rise above this engineered poverty and reclaim our self-sustaining heritage,” the group emphasized.
IPOB expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and committed to championing efforts for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We mourn with every family that lost a loved one during the unfortunate stampede. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call for us to rethink our approach to poverty alleviation,” the statement concluded.
The group urged all stakeholders—philanthropists, community leaders, and government agencies—to focus on sustainable solutions that tackle the underlying causes of poverty in the region.