Former presidential aide and bestselling author, Reno Omokri, has revealed why he has stopped promoting Aba-made shoes, despite his long-standing admiration for the Igbo people.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Omokri recounted what he described as one of the most humiliating moments of his life. According to him, his attempt to proudly showcase locally made Aba footwear ended up attracting a wave of insults, ironically from the very people he was trying to support.
“I have taken a vow never to promote any merchandise of Igbo origin, except if I am in public office and it becomes part of my duty. The reason is that I have never been as insulted as the day I wore Aba-made shoes to promote that industry,” he wrote.
Omokri said the backlash trended for three days and even made the front pages of national newspapers, a situation he described as deeply damaging to his #GrowNairaBuyNaija campaign. He noted that while his intentions were genuine, the experience had a negative effect on his mental health.
The author compared the experience with how Northerners embraced his consistent promotion of the Borno cap during former President Buhari’s administration, despite his opposition to Buhari’s government. He said he had always supported causes that uplift marginalized groups, including speaking against policies that he felt unfairly treated the Southeast.
Omokri also stressed that his philanthropy has benefitted many Igbos, sometimes even more than his own Itsekiri people. However, he lamented what he called a lack of “institutional memory,” suggesting that people often forget past good deeds.
“For my mental health, I believe there are others better suited to promote Aba-made shoes. I genuinely wish Aba shoemakers success, but I cannot continue taking insults for trying to help. I need to remain mentally strong for my family and for Nigeria,” he concluded.
He clarified that his decision was not born out of dislike for Ndi’Igbo but rather out of self-preservation, adding that his respect for the Igbo people remains intact.
