As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Looking back now, it is clear that a grave mistake was made by not allowing the Igbo people to enter. If they had been given the chance to fully participate in the life and governance of our society, things would not be as they are today. The pain and suffering experienced by the Igbo people, as well as the strife that has been caused, could have been avoided if they had been included from the start.

The Igbo people have a rich and vibrant culture, with a long history of entrepreneurship, innovation, and artistic expression. They are known for their resilience and adaptability, and have made significant contributions to the development of our society. However, their exclusion from full participation in the political and economic life of the nation has led to a sense of marginalization and frustration among the Igbo population.

In the past, there have been attempts to address the grievances of the Igbo people, most notably through the Biafra movement in the 1960s. This movement sought to create an independent state for the Igbo people, in response to the discrimination and violence they faced from the government and other groups. The civil war that followed resulted in a devastating loss of life and widespread suffering, and the wounds from that conflict still linger to this day.

The decision to deny the Igbo people their rightful place in society has had far-reaching consequences. It has created a climate of distrust and division, and has hindered the full realization of our nation’s potential. The pain and suffering experienced by the Igbo people, as well as the ongoing tensions and conflicts, are a direct result of their exclusion.

It is time for us to recognize the immense value that the Igbo people bring to our society, and to make amends for the injustices they have endured. We must work to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where all people have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the common good. This will require a fundamental shift in our attitudes and policies, and a commitment to building bridges of understanding and cooperation.

The pain experienced by the Igbo people is a stark reminder of the consequences of exclusion and discrimination. If we had allowed them to enter fully into the life of our nation, things would be very different today. We must learn from this mistake, and strive to create a society where all people are valued and respected. It is time to heal the wounds of the past, and to build a future where the Igbo people, and all people, can flourish.