Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, best known as ‘Illbliss’, has urged Nigerians to be more welcoming to people living outside their states of origin. He also warned against divisive comments targeting non-indigenes.
Speaking on the ‘Outside The Box podcast,’ the rapper pointed to Igbos living in Lagos as an example. He said they have made significant contributions to the state’s economy through business and trade.
According to Illbliss, Lagos would feel the impact if all Igbo residents left the state. He stressed that their role in commerce cannot be ignored.
The rapper also said he was surprised by calls for non-indigenes to return to their home states, describing such remarks as troubling.
He said:
“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.’”
The rapper said it was disappointing that tribal and religious divisions still exist in Nigeria after decades of living together.
He added that the country’s deep-rooted divisions sometimes make him wonder whether Nigeria should have emerged as one nation.
“We have no business being where we are as a country. We have no business not being accommodating of each other. But sadly, we are still plagued by tribalism, ethnic and religious divides,” Illbliss added.
