Rapper Illbliss has spoken out against tribalism and discrimination targeting non-indigenes, urging Nigerians to embrace individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
During a recent appearance on the Outside The Box podcast, the rapper highlighted the significant contributions of Igbos residing in Lagos to illustrate how non-indigenous residents drive growth and development in their host states.
He emphasized that Igbos have made substantial economic contributions to Lagos through trade and commerce, making it unjust for anyone to demand their departure based on indigeneity. “The Igbos have given a lot to the Lagos economy in terms of trade and commerce,” he stated. “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.’”
Illbliss lamented that despite decades of coexistence as one nation, Nigeria continues to grapple with tribalism, ethnic divisions, and religious intolerance. “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,” he added.
The rapper further expressed that the persistent divisions sometimes make him question whether Nigeria should have ever been unified as a single nation.
