Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanere, popularly known as Prophet Odumeje, has made headlines with his recent call for the return of Ibeto Cement and a directive for people in Eastern Nigeria to stop buying Dangote Cement. In a statement shared widely on social media, the cleric described the revival of Ibeto Cement as both a declaration and a prophecy, warning that the East must reject Dangote Cement. His remarks, made on July 9, 2026, have ignited discussions across Nigeria, especially on regional economic interests and support for indigenous businesses.
Odumeje’s message was clear and direct: “Ibeto Cement must come back. That’s a statement and a prophecy. The East must stop using Dangote Cement. It’s a warning.” The statement, shared via a tweet by YabaLeftOnline, quickly went viral, drawing reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms. Some praised the cleric for advocating local enterprise, while others questioned the feasibility and logic behind the call, especially given the dominance of Dangote Cement in the Nigerian market.
Ibeto Cement, founded by businessman Cletus Ibeto, was once a major player in Nigeria’s cement industry before facing operational setbacks that led to a decline in its market presence. Despite its past prominence, the company has struggled to regain its former strength in recent years. On the other hand, Dangote Cement, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has become a dominant force in the sector, with production facilities across Nigeria and export operations to several African countries. Its market share and infrastructure have made it a preferred choice for many consumers and builders nationwide.
The cleric’s comments have sparked debate about regional economic dynamics and the role of religion in business advocacy. Some social media users expressed skepticism, with one user, @christianholdings_1, stating, “Ibeto cement is also in bed with the government so stop fighting for them they are same people 😔.” Another user, @Oracle on-chain, dismissed the prophecy, saying, “You dey waste your time because it can never happen. Nigeria is not one and can never be one.” Meanwhile, @OBA highlighted regional tensions, remarking, “Monopolize to Yoruba yariba and fulani terrorists and that is the structure of one Nigeria for any Igbo person.”
While the call for Ibeto Cement’s return remains symbolic for many, it reflects a broader conversation about economic self-reliance and regional equity in Nigeria. The cement industry, being a critical sector for infrastructure development, continues to be a focal point for discussions on national development and local ownership. As the debate unfolds, the future of Ibeto Cement and the dynamics of Nigeria’s cement market remain under close watch.
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