On Ebuka Obi: A Fresh Perspective

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU 

I’m not a religious person, nor am I a fan of Ebuka Obi’s ministry. In fact, the closest I’ve come to his ministry is stopping by NOBIS on Ago Palace Way to enjoy a beer. They serve some of the best grilled fish there — amazing with a touch of lime and some chips with sauce!

So when Ebuka came to Imo State to establish his ministry, I saw this as a move toward economic emancipation. As someone born in Imo but hailing from Anambra, I consider myself more of an Imo man. I know the state inside out, and trust me, not much is going on there beyond hotels. Ebuka Obi is working to change this narrative by introducing religious tourism — a lucrative venture that many people overlook. However, my fellow Igbo people tend to react emotionally rather than logically. We often speak without analyzing the situation, which is why you see our people, especially online, making rash comments.

Let’s break this down for those who criticize Ebuka Obi. Let me explain the domino or multiplier effects of this initiative on Igboland. For those who may not know, the multiplier effect in economics refers to how spending generates more income and economic activity. I earned an ‘A’ in Economics at Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku, with the best WAEC result in my set. So, trust me, I know what I’m talking about.That was during the time of Bob Tete our then Principal…go and verify!

Now, let’s look at the multiplier effect. When Ebuka builds a religious center, school, and hospital, it all starts with construction. The people employed in construction will mostly be Igbo, many from Imo State. These workers will earn wages, which they will use to pay school fees, rent houses, buy food, drink beer, take care of their families, and more. Their spending generates even more economic activity — schools receive fees, markets thrive, landlords collect rent, and businesses grow. This is just the multiplier effect from construction! And we haven’t even considered the vendors selling materials or other related services.

When the ministry is established, more people will be employed to manage it, and they will need housing. This will spur real estate growth — new landlords will emerge, and money will start circulating. If a hospital is built, it will employ nurses, doctors, radiologists, anesthetists, and lab technicians. These are well-paying jobs that stimulate local economies.

As the ministry grows, it will boost the aviation industry in the East. Airports will become busier, hotels will be fully booked, transport services will thrive, and capital from overseas will flow in. Yet, despite these obvious benefits, my fellow Igbo people remain skeptical. Instead of listening, they prefer to criticize and tear each other down. Why can’t we just be quiet and let positive things happen for once?

Sometimes I wonder: are we, the Igbo people, just overly critical and self-destructive? We seem to possess a unique “pull him down” mentality — always quick to criticize and seldom willing to support each other. This is one reason I don’t back the Biafra movement; I have observed the Igbo mentality, and it’s frustrating. We are a stubborn, headstrong group, and it is incredibly hard to please us. As an Igbo man myself, I have to speak this truth.

Our people are known for being obstinate. Look at the Vatican — they’ve built immense wealth through religious tourism. Saudi Arabia and Israel do the same. Here in Nigeria, Ogun State is thriving with Shiloh and Redemption Camp bringing in billions annually through religious tourism. You don’t see Yoruba people tearing down these establishments, because they know they are providing jobs and circulating money within their communities. So, why do Igbo people choose to attack Ebuka? If it’s not one Igbo man talking nonsense, it’s a sister acting out or a priest trying to be holier than the Vatican.

Let’s face it: Catholicism is an imported religion. As Igbo people, we need to use it to our advantage, to develop ourselves rather than pulling each other down. Enough of the relentless criticism of Ebuka Obi! Let’s focus on getting busy, improving our lives, and letting those called by God do their work. Give the man a break!

©Anthony Emeka Nwosu