The Hidden Fear of Igbo Brilliance

The Hidden Fear of Igbo Brilliance

“What an Igbo man sees with his eyes closed, a Yoruba professor cannot see even with his eyes wide open” – General T.Y. Danjuma.

Those who understand the transformative power of vision never hesitate to recognize individuals guided by it. General T.Y. Danjuma, a man whose name resonates across Nigeria’s historical spectrum, from its moments of triumph to its darkest trials, embodies such recognition.

As a soldier, statesman, and patriot, he has witnessed the evolution of the Nigerian nation firsthand. His recent bold remarks on the intellectual and moral strength of the Igbo people inspired this reflection, an exploration of why Nigeria both reveres and ridicules the intellectual supremacy of the Igbo race.

General Danjuma’s comments reveal a long-suppressed truth often obscured by Nigeria’s politics of ethnicity, rivalry, and fear. His assertion, “What an Igbo man sees with his eyes closed, a Yoruba professor cannot see even with his eyes wide open,” though may appear provocative, yet it encapsulates the extraordinary foresight, courage, and intellectual depth characteristic of the Igbo spirit.

From pre-independence movements to modern enterprise, the Igbo have consistently demonstrated an unmatched capacity for innovation, critical thinking, and resilience, qualities that have defined their prominence within Africa’s complex socio-political landscape.

The Bible declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

The Igbo, in their quest for survival, have naturally embodied this Biblical injunction. Their questioning spirit, which Danjuma described as “what makes them truly human”, reflects a divine hunger for truth and excellence.

This same spirit made them pioneers in trade, science, education, and governance despite the scars of marginalization and the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

Historically, after the war, when their properties were declared “abandoned,” and their bank savings reduced to £20, the Igbo rose again, rebuilding their economy and dominating commerce across Nigeria within a decade.

This resilience is not mere industriousness; it is an intellectual and spiritual mastery of adaptation. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

Yet, the same Nigeria that secretly admires their genius often ridicules them publicly.

This paradox springs from envy and fear, fear of their independence, and envy of their success.

The Igbo’s refusal to conform or submit to mediocrity challenges systems built on falsehood.

Danjuma rightly said, “The Igbo are fearless seekers of truth; they challenge power and question lies.”

In a nation where truth is dangerous, those who speak it are branded rebellious.

Thus, Nigerians respect the Igbo in silence but deride them in public because their brilliance exposes the nation’s intellectual laziness and moral cowardice.

The world bows to courage, but the fearful despise it, and in the Igbo, courage and wisdom walk hand in hand.

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