Nigerian rapper Illbliss has urged citizens to be more welcoming toward people from different ethnic backgrounds living outside their states of origin, stressing the need to reject divisive and inflammatory remarks against non-indigenes.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Outside The Box podcast, the music star highlighted the contributions of the Igbo community in Lagos, using them as an example of how non-indigenous residents help drive economic growth and development across the country.
According to the rapper, Igbos have played a significant role in boosting Lagos’ economy through trade and commerce. He questioned the impact on the state if members of the community were asked to leave, noting that their contributions have become deeply woven into the city’s economic fabric.
Illbliss said he is often surprised by comments suggesting that people who are not natives of Lagos should return to their states of origin. He argued that such sentiments undermine the spirit of national unity and coexistence that should define the country.
“The Igbos have given a lot to the Lagos economy in terms of trade and commerce. I wonder how this town will be if you told every Igbo man to leave. So, I’m always shocked whenever I hear comments like, ‘If you’re not from Lagos State, go back to your state,’” he said.
The rapper lamented that despite decades of living together as one nation, Nigeria continues to struggle with tribalism, ethnic divisions, and religious intolerance. He added that the country's persistent social and cultural divisions sometimes make him question whether Nigeria should have existed as a single nation in the first place, emphasizing the need for greater acceptance and unity among its people.
Elijah Adeyemi
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