Illbliss Condemns Tribalism, Highlights Igbo Contributions to Lagos Economy

Nigerian rapper Illbliss has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and become more welcoming to people living outside their states of origin, warning that tribal and ethnic divisions continue to hold the country back.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Outside The Box podcast, the veteran rapper used the presence and contributions of the Igbo community in Lagos as an example of how non-indigenous residents have played a vital role in the growth and development of various parts of Nigeria.

According to Illbliss, the Igbo people have made significant contributions to Lagos through commerce, entrepreneurship, and trade, making them an integral part of the state's economic success.

“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,” he said.

The rapper expressed concern over comments that suggest non-indigenes should return to their states of origin, describing such sentiments as disappointing in a country that has existed as a united nation for decades.

“So, I’m always shocked whenever I hear comments like, ‘If you’re not from Lagos State, go back to your state,’” he added.

Illbliss further lamented the persistence of tribalism, ethnic rivalry, and religious intolerance in Nigeria, arguing that the country should have moved beyond such divisions.

“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 remarked.

The rapper also suggested that the country's recurring divisions sometimes raise broader questions about national cohesion and the challenges of building a truly united society.

His comments have sparked conversations online about national identity, inclusion, and the role citizens from different ethnic backgrounds play in the economic and social development of communities across Nigeria.

Opinion: Nigeria's Diversity Should Be a Strength, Not a Source of Division

Illbliss's comments touch on a sensitive but important issue that continues to shape public discourse in Nigeria.

Across the country, millions of Nigerians live, work, invest, and raise families outside their ancestral states. From traders and professionals to artisans and entrepreneurs, these individuals contribute to local economies regardless of their ethnic background.

Lagos is perhaps one of the most visible examples of this reality. Its success as a commercial hub has been driven by people from virtually every region of Nigeria, each contributing their skills, investments, and ideas. The same can be said for cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, where diverse communities coexist and drive economic activity.

While conversations about identity and indigene rights are often complex, reducing citizens to their ethnic origins can undermine national unity and social progress. A thriving society is typically one where people are judged by their contributions and character rather than where they come from.

At the same time, addressing tribal tensions requires more than public statements. It demands stronger institutions, equal opportunities, fair governance, and leadership that consistently promotes inclusion rather than division.

Illbliss's remarks serve as a reminder that Nigeria's diversity is one of its greatest assets. The challenge is ensuring that diversity becomes a source of strength, innovation, and national development rather than a basis for suspicion and exclusion.

In an increasingly interconnected world, many Nigerians believe the future lies not in building walls between communities but in creating a country where every citizen feels they belong, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or place of origin.