Nigeria Is Richer Than We Think: Why Prosperity Begins at Home – Ex-Presidential Aspirant, Ezendigbo

 

Osogbo | January 2026

Former presidential aspirant, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has declared that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most resource-blessed nations, lamenting that many citizens fail to recognize the country’s vast economic potential because of a misplaced admiration for foreign lands.

According to Ezendigbo, Nigerians often assume that crossing into neighbouring countries such as Cotonou or Sudan automatically translates to being “overseas,” even though Nigeria possesses far greater human and natural resources than most African nations.

“Nigeria is far better than many African countries, but our people don’t see it that way. We forget how rich this land is,  even plants here are resources,” he said.

Agriculture, Innovation and Forgotten Opportunities

Highlighting unconventional but lucrative opportunities, Ezendigbo pointed to agriculture and animal-related enterprises as untapped goldmines. He revealed that even scorpion farming, particularly the extraction of scorpion venom for pharmaceutical purposes, is a thriving global business.

“If you can collect 50 to 100 live scorpions, feed them properly, their poison is highly valuable. Farming, in all its forms, is a very big business,” he explained.

He warned that Nigeria’s growing obsession with white-collar symbolism, suits, ties and office titles,  has disconnected the nation from its productive roots.

“We always like to wear ties and think that is the best way of life. In the process, we lost our ground,” Ezendigbo added.

New Year Message: No Peace Without Security, Love Is the Key

In his New Year message to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, Chief Ezendigbo called for unity, security and renewed national purpose, stressing that peace cannot exist without safety and mutual trust.

He urged Nigerians to embrace love as the foundation for national healing and development.

“As the curtain gently falls on the old year and the light of the new one rises before us, may this New Year bring healing to our land, clarity to our leadership and hope to every household.”

Reflecting on the resilience of Nigerians amid uncertainty, he described endurance and adaptability as defining elements of the Nigerian spirit.

“We adapted, we endured, we stood. This is the Nigerian spirit. This is our story.”

A Call to All Segments of Society

Chief Ezendigbo acknowledged the contributions of every segment of the nation, workers, youths, elders and political actors, while reminding leaders that authority must be rooted in service.

“A nation does not rise by chance. It rises when it chooses courage over fear and discipline over despair.”

He emphasized that the labour of hardworking Nigerians is not in vain and reassured youths that their dreams are essential to the country’s progress.

“Leadership is service, not privilege,” he stated, addressing political stakeholders.

Rebuilding Trust and National Unity

Expressing gratitude to God, Ezendigbo stressed the need to rebuild trust  between government and citizens, neighbours and neighbours, and between the present and the future.

“Justice is not negotiable. We must reject bitterness and embrace one another.”

He called on Nigerians worldwide to invest in their communities, mentor the youth and defend national unity with wisdom.

“I do not speak to you with empty promises, but with renewed purpose,” he declared.

As the New Year unfolds, he expressed hope for agricultural prosperity, healthy children and a Nigeria that stands upright among nations.

“In the New Year, we must push less blame and provide more solutions with intentional and deliberate progress.”

He concluded with a message of faith and patriotism:

“God bless you. God bless our people. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

— Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo

Former Presidential Aspirant

“Love and peace are what we must embrace.”