Popular socialite and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, known widely as Cubana Chief Priest, has disclosed that escalating insecurity in the southeast region prompted him to move his business operations to Lagos.
In a recent interview with BBC Igbo, Okechukwu cited the prevalence of kidnappings and violence as significant deterrents for customers in the southeast. He highlighted how these safety concerns have had a direct impact on his business.
“Why I came to Lagos to do business is that most of our siblings are scared to go home… cause if they come home, I will do my business,” Okechukwu explained. “There is widespread hunger in the South-East. It is our own community members who provide criminals with information.”
Okechukwu pointed out that the targeting of wealthy individuals by local criminals has discouraged affluent people from returning home for festivities and other events, thereby affecting local businesses.
“Our people began targeting the wealthy, so the wealthy stopped returning home during festivities. That is why I moved to Lagos to conduct my business,” he added.