Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has urged Nigerians and the international community to reassess prevailing narratives about the South-East, affirming that the region remains safe, vibrant, and open for business, travel, and investment.
In a reflective message shared on Saturday, Chidoka cautioned against defining any society solely by its most difficult moments, stressing that everyday life across the South-East reflects stability, resilience, and progress.
“No society is defined only by its hardest moments. What matters is how people continue to live, return home, and find joy despite them,” he said.
He pointed to the massive influx of people into the region during the Christmas and year-end festivities as clear evidence of confidence and normalcy, noting that millions of Easterners travelled home to reunite with families and participate in social and economic activities.
According to Chidoka, bustling markets, busy motor parks, active highways, and vibrant social events across the South-East during the festive season demonstrated the strength of daily life and economic continuity.
From Aba to Awka, Onitsha to Nsukka, Abakaliki to Owerri, he noted that the December economy peaked seasonally, with trade, transport, hospitality, and informal commerce recording significant growth. He described the South-East as a critical engine of national enterprise whose economic vitality remains undiminished.
Beyond economic indicators, Chidoka said the daily choices of communities across the region reflect a collective commitment to unity, continuity, and forward movement rather than fear.
“What I see are people choosing community, resilience, and joy in motion,” he said.
Using the hashtag #EastIsOpen, Chidoka called for a reframing of the South-East narrative to reflect present-day realities rather than isolated incidents. He also highlighted the unique strengths of each state with the hashtags #AdmirableAbia, #AmazingAnambra, #EndearingEbonyi, #ExcitingEnugu, and #InvitingImo, celebrating their contributions to Nigeria’s economic and cultural life.
He added that the region’s long history of absorbing shocks and rebounding through enterprise, kinship networks, and mobility was once again evident in the massive festive return of residents and visitors.
Chidoka said his message serves as both reassurance to citizens and the diaspora, and an open invitation to investors, development partners, and policymakers.
“The East is alive, moving, and open for good. It is ready to tell its own story,” he said.
As Nigeria pursues economic recovery and sustainable growth, he noted that the resilience and vibrancy of the South-East position the region as a key contributor to the nation’s development trajectory.
