Joe Igbokwe warns Igbos in Lagos against noisy Igbo holiday travel, urging focus on rebuilding Igboland and learning from other Nigerians.
Prominent activist and political commentator, Joe Igbokwe, has sparked a nationwide conversation after criticizing some Igbos in Lagos for claiming that the city became “empty and dry” during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
According to Igbokwe, this narrative reflects arrogance, ignorance, and a misplaced sense of superiority that does little to uplift the Igbo community.
In an open letter addressed directly to Ndigbos, Igbokwe described such claims as “absurd, petty, and shameful,” emphasizing that the loud and boastful attitude some Igbos display is counterproductive.
He argued that the tendency to overstate one’s influence in Lagos—a city recognized as Nigeria’s economic hub—is damaging and unnecessary.
“OPEN LETTER TO NDIGBO WHO LIVE IN LAGOS”
“I have noticed some peculiar posts on social media from December 15, 2025, where members of my tribe shared images of roads and markets in Lagos with few vehicles and people, claiming Lagos was empty because Igbos had traveled to the South East. I find this claim absurd, petty, and shameful,” Igbokwe wrote.
Highlighting the vibrancy and scale of Lagos, Igbokwe reminded his fellow Igbos that the city is far larger than any single ethnic group.
“I have lived in Lagos for nearly 40 years and know the city well. Lagos is a vast business hub, the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, a land of opportunities, aquatic splendor, knowledge, and understanding. It is a 24-hour city and a pride for both Nigeria and Africa.”
Igbokwe emphasized that Igbos are far from the only people who travel during the holiday season.
Millions of South Westerners, South Southerners, and Northerners also return to their home states during festive periods.
He cited busy markets in Ketu, Badagry, Agege, Lagos Island, Epe, Alimosho, Apapa, Ikorodu, and Oyingbo as proof of the ongoing activity by other ethnic groups during the holidays. This demonstrates that Lagos remains bustling regardless of Igbo holiday travel.
The activist also addressed what he perceives as a long-standing pattern of overbearing behavior among some Igbos.
“For years, I have urged our people to abandon this ugly sense of superiority, paranoid grandiosity, and ‘I am better than others’ attitude. Stop provoking or intimidating other Nigerians. Every ethnic group contributes something valuable to Nigeria.”
Igbokwe cited South Westerners as an example of a group that achieves success quietly.
“South Westerners are the most sophisticated and successful ethnic group in the country, yet they do not make noise.
“The richest Nigerians, including Aliko Dangote and other Northern billionaires, are quiet and focused,” he said.
The message to Igbos in Lagos was clear: instead of making boastful claims or exaggerating influence, energy should be directed toward tangible progress, particularly in the Igbo homeland.
Igbokwe urged his fellow Igbos to focus on rebuilding Igboland, which he described as “devastated and neglected for years.”
He argued that this constructive approach would yield far greater benefits than asserting dominance in Lagos through social media or loud commentary.
“We, the Igbos, are too loud. We often claim more than we are and make unnecessary noise. Instead of focusing on criticizing others, we should direct our energy toward rebuilding Igboland,” Igbokwe wrote.
“There is much work to do at home, and leaving our devastated and polluted land to belittle others achieves nothing. We should learn from other Nigerians rather than repeat childish, superficial behaviors.”
He also called for a cultural shift in attitude, urging elders and community leaders to guide the younger generation.
“Let us teach our young Igbos to make less noise, to ensure their efforts carry substance. Stop the loudness that signifies nothing. Focus on meaningful work and let our actions speak louder than words.”
The activist concluded that a quieter, more focused approach would better serve the Igbos both in Lagos and at home.
By learning from other groups and prioritizing development in Igboland, Igbos can maintain cultural pride while contributing constructively to Nigeria’s progress.
This public admonition by Joe Igbokwe has reignited discussions on social media and among Nigerians in Lagos about the behavior of Igbos during holiday seasons.
Many believe it’s a reminder that influence is not measured by loudness, but by impact, substance, and positive contributions to society.
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