by Professor Ahmed Bako

I would like to begin by extending heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ahmed Bako on his inaugural lecture, “The Igbo Factor in the History of Intergroup Relationships and Commerce in Kano: Opportunities and Challenges Revisited.” This intellectual contribution no doubt offers an important perspective on the historical dynamics of ethnic relations and commerce in northern Nigeria, especially in Kano. Nevertheless, in offering a counter-narrative to some of the assertions potentially made in this lecture, I aim to highlight the profound contributions of the Igbo people to the economic development of Kano, while also emphasizing the detrimental implications of such an academic intervention in the current socio-political climate of Nigeria.

1. Igbo Contributions to Kano’s Commercial Advancement
   a) While it is crucial to interrogate the intergroup relations between the Igbo and indigenous groups in Kano, it would be remiss to understate the significant role the Igbo have played in the economic ascendancy of the city. Since the early 20th century, the Igbo have been instrumental in shaping Kano into a vibrant nexus of trade and commerce.
2. b) Economic Ingenuity and Entrepreneurial Zeal: The Igbo’s renowned entrepreneurial spirit has not only enriched their own community but also significantly bolstered Kano’s commercial landscape. Through their vast contributions to key sectors such as electronics, spare parts, and textiles, Igbo entrepreneurs have introduced innovative business models and extended the city’s trade networks far beyond its borders.
3. c) Human Capital and Financial Investment: Beyond mere trade, the Igbo community has invested significant capital in the development of Kano’s infrastructure and industrial base. Through the establishment of small- and medium-sized enterprises, the Igbo have created employment opportunities for both indigenes and non-indigenes, contributing to Kano’s broader socio-economic welfare.
4. d) Transregional Trade Networks: Igbo traders have played a central role in linking Kano with commercial hubs across Nigeria and West Africa. Their extensive networks have facilitated the influx of vital commodities into Kano, ensuring the city’s preeminence as a commercial hub and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Thus, it is not an exaggeration to posit that the Igbo community has, in many ways, contributed more substantively to Kano’s commercial development than some indigenous groups. This is not intended to diminish the efforts of Kano’s indigenes but rather to recognize the unique and profound impact that the Igbo have had on the region’s economy.

2. Problematizing Professor Bako’s Perspective
   Professor Bako’s lecture, while undoubtedly well-researched, may run the risk of perpetuating a reductive understanding of intergroup relations in Kano. Several potential pitfalls should be addressed:
3. a) Neglecting the Positive Interdependence: By revisiting the challenges of Igbo interactions with indigenous groups, the lecture may inadvertently obscure the long-standing economic and cultural interdependence that has characterized these relationships. The historical narrative must account for the mutually beneficial partnerships that have existed between the Igbo and the Hausa communities, which have fostered both economic prosperity and social cohesion in Kano.
4. b) Underplaying Igbo Resilience and Adaptation: The Igbo community has, time and again, demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of socio-political challenges, thriving in the commercial sphere despite the periodic strains in intergroup relations. This resilience is a testament to the adaptability and industriousness of the Igbo people, qualities that have only enhanced Kano’s standing as a commercial powerhouse.
5. The Untimeliness and Counterproductive Nature of the Paper
   In light of Nigeria’s current socio-political landscape, Professor Bako’s lecture—while academically significant—might be considered untimely and potentially divisive. At a moment when the country is grappling with heightened ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic challenges, revisiting narratives of ethnic competition and perceived inequalities could exacerbate existing fissures within the national fabric.
6. a) Need for National Cohesion: At this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history, fostering national unity should take precedence over rehashing ethnic rivalries. By revisiting historical grievances or challenges in intergroup relations, the lecture may risk inflaming ethnic tensions and reinforcing counterproductive stereotypes. In contrast, the focus should be on the collective efforts and interdependence that have contributed to Kano’s commercial success and, by extension, to Nigeria’s economic vitality.
7. b) The Symbiosis of Commerce: Rather than framing the Igbo presence in Kano as a source of challenge, it is imperative to emphasize the symbiotic relationship between the Igbo community and Kano’s indigenous population. The city’s commercial prosperity is not the result of a zero-sum game but of the collaborative contributions of diverse ethnic groups working together for mutual benefit.
8. c) Encouraging Unity Over Division: Now more than ever, Nigeria requires a discourse that promotes cooperation across ethnic and regional lines. Revisiting historical narratives of economic competition may detract from the nation-building efforts that should be prioritized. A focus on shared success stories—such as the Igbo-Hausa economic collaboration in Kano—would be more conducive to fostering the sense of unity that Nigeria so desperately needs.

Conclusion
In summation, while Professor Bako’s lecture provides an important historical lens through which to view intergroup relations in Kano, it inadvertently risks overshadowing the invaluable contributions of the Igbo people to the region’s commercial prosperity. Furthermore, at a time when Nigeria is in dire need of unity and cohesion, such narratives, though academically rigorous, may not be in the best interest of the nation’s socio-political stability. Instead, the focus should be on fostering an inclusive narrative that underscores the interdependence of Nigeria’s diverse communities in driving collective progress and development.

Charles Ude Esq