The economy of the former Eastern Region was planned from ground up by the US consulting firm Arthur D. Little

The economy of the former Eastern Region was planned from ground up by the US consulting firm Arthur D. Little

Dr. Azikiwe brought them and they worked with M I Okpara at first, then with Sam Otti and later Eluwa who headed the Civil Service and later with Sir Louis Phillip Odumegwu Ojukwu who at the time was the Chairman of the Eastern Nigerian Development Corporation (ENDC) and also the Chairman of the Eastern Nigeria Commodities Board (ENCB)

Louis Phillip  Odumegwu Ojukwu also sat as Chairman of 15 multinational companies at the time - John Holt, PZ, Michelin, Costain, Thomas Wyatt, Guinness, GB Ollivant etc

He was so rich that he single handedly funded the establishment of the Lagos Stock Exchange but refused to list his company there for fear of losing control

His photo still hangs proudly on the floor of that exchange as its first chairman

Arthur D Little also worked with a coterie of young Eastern Nigerian economists at the time - Pius Okigbo (PhD Northwestern), Ukwu I. Ukwu (PhD Cambridge), Chukwu Sunday Okongwu (PhD Harvard). These young men in their early twenties worked with Arthur D Little to plan our economy from scratch

I know this because Ukwu I Ukwu taught me at Nsukka and I also worked in Dr Chu SP Okongwu's economic planning firm right during and after grad school in Nigeria.

Arthur D. Little recommended the setting up of a university in the East to produce key skills needed to drive economic growth as most of those skills were not being taught in Ibadan at the time

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"CHI" IN IGBO THOUGHT AND CULTURE

Written by Rev. Fr. Francis Anekwe Oborji, Pontifical Urban University, Vatican City (Rome)
Email: anekwe.oborji@gmail.com

Monday, July 10, 2023

Our concern in this short write-up is to articulate, briefly, the true meaning and significance of the concept, "CHI" among the Igbo in the context of the concept of the "Person" in African thought and culture as articulated in Igbo, African scholarship in recent years.

The Problem:

The pre-theoretical concern about the concept of the person in philosophical and theological discourse challenges us to give a unique and coherent response to the following questions: What is the person? What does it mean for a person to be the same persistent entity through time (or in a moment of time)? How many distinct ontological entities constitute a person? What relationship, if there is, exists between the subjective experiences of an individual first-person and our perspective third-person? What is the influence of our culture and society on our system of thought and interpretation of reality and 'non-regular causation' of things in the universe? What kind of relationship exists between the thinker and his cultural and religious context? What is the influence of this cultural context on our philosophical and theological thoughts?

The African scholars, especially, philosophers and theologians, including the Igbo scholars, take seriously the challenge of giving an adequate response to these questions in the African, Igbo context and perspective. This is why in the African, Igbo context, unlike that of the West, plausible answers to an application, are usually informed by plausible answers to other questions.

Therefore, to appreciate the rich meaning and significance of Igbo concept of "Chi" in the context of the concept of person in African thought and culture, I would like to explore the way in which the Igbo, African theory of the universe and of the ontological reality has provided us with the integrated responses to the question under consideration. And how we must build these answers on it. My approach, partly descriptive and partly imaginative, should be familiar; I adopted it by the tradition of the first African scholars, from their reaction as well as their appreciation of the pioneering work of Placide Tempels, La Philosophie Bantoue, published in 1945.

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SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT ABOUT FIRST REPUBLIC PURPORTED IGBO DOMINANCE

~Anonymous Author

A scripted deception has been circulating all over social media, including WhatsApp groups, suggesting that Igbos, despite being dominant in Tafawa Balewa's government, went ahead to kill him. Nothing can be farther from the truth. This script has turned history on its head. The narrative is designed to present Igbos as disloyal power grabbers and confuse gullible readers, obfuscate the past and promote national discord.

Let us set the records straight; Igbos played no dominant role in Balewa's cabinet. The outline below will help demonstrate this.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, was the Prime Minister of Nigeria from the pre-independence era (1957) until the January 1966 coup, in which he died. During this period, he had three cabinets in total. Balewa established his first cabinet in 1957 after he was appointed Prime Minister by the British Governor-General. The second cabinet was formed after the general elections of December 1959, just before independence, in a coalition government. The third cabinet was formed after the disputed general elections of December 1964 and dissolved after the military coup of 15 January 1966.

Here are the ministers who served in all three cabinets;

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Igbo And Igala – Geographical, Historical And, Cultural Relationships

By Joy

June 9, 20210

It is a vague fact that the Igalas have a close tie to the Igbos, just how close is this tie? In almost every Igbo state, a sprinkle of indigenous Igala people is found thriving, be it an element of their culture, religion, dialect, or descendants. Who are the Igalas and what is their relationship with the Igbos?

Igbo And Igala Relations

The Igala are an ethnic group in Nigeria. Their homeland, the former Igala Kingdom, is an approximately triangular area of about 14,000 km² in the angle formed by the Benue and Niger rivers. The area was formerly the Igala Division of Kabba province and is now part of Kogi State. The capital is Idah.

The Igala people rank amongst ethnic groups in Nigeria with the highest population, they are situated east of the river Niger and Benue confluence, straddling the Niger in Lokoja. Unlike every tribe in Nigeria, they practice Christianity and Islam almost in equal proportions, with few traditional worshippers. It is beautiful to note that both religions exist side by side without little or no squabbles. 

The Igala people are found in several parts of the country, with an estimated population of 4 million. In all the Southeastern states, traces of Igala descendants have been found over the years. 

Five Most Ancient Igbo Towns

On the northern border of the Enugu state, the Kogi Igalas overflow the boundary and dominates the communities there. In Abia state, communities like Onu-Aku, Umuogu, Amaogu, Umuogwu towns have traced their origin to the Igala kingdom of 15500, in every state in Igboland, there are communities who trace their origin of migration to the Igala kingdom.

OWERRI Historical: "OWERELA IHE MARAYA AKA"

By Njemanze and Njemanze

Owerri is the capital city of Imo State in the south eastern part of Nigeria in West Africa. Populated
majorly by the people of igbo tribe, Owerri is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in the entire south east today. 

Like most other towns/cities in Africa, the history of Owerri is steeped in valour, courage and victory.

It all started in the 14th Century. An Aristocrat named Oha, with his wife, Arugo, had two sons. the first Son was Ekwem while the second was Ndum. they lived in a village called Umuori in Uratta  which is located in present day Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Oha the Aristocrat became old in age and died after a brief illness. By the igbo custom, the first son (usually called Opara in igbo culture) is required to provide the funeral cow.

Now, it is almost a taboo for an aristocrat to be buried in igbo land without the slaughtering of a cow, the burial would be deemed inconclusive. the passage of an igbo aristocrat is not a trivial issue even till this day. i witnessed the burial ceremony of an Ozo title holder in Onitsha, OMG! it was then i realized that the Oyinbos lied to us. Its a lie, not all men are born equal. an Ozo or Ichie title holder is not equal to a commoner. Mba! those are indeed aristocratic titles. The beauty of the African culture is that it always balances. so, while the Ozo or Ichie title holder has more communal priviledges, they also are expected to display more communal responsibilities.

So, Ekwem being the first son of Oha was supposed to provide the cow for their father's funeral. However, Ekwem was a man without means. Though a very honourable man in his own right, sometimes, honour is not synonymous with wealth. So that their father can have a befitting burial, Ekwem requested that his younger brother who was more wealthy should assist to buy the cow. Ndum bought the cow for the funeral. Thereafter, things were no longer at ease for the family as Ndum demanded to be given the head and heart of the cow since he was the one that bought the cow. Tufiakwa!

Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote to Lt. Col. Victor Banjo

 BACK  TO  HISTORY :

 Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote to Lt. Col. Victor Banjo commanding him to invade and liberate Western Nigeria (Yorubaland) from the “Hausa/Fulani dominated Nigeria”.

 From: The Military Governor,

Republic of Biafra,Enugu,

22nd August, 1967.

My dear Victor,

 1. For some time now, you and I have been discussing the circumstances that have led to the current and inevitable disintegration of what was the Federation of Nigeria. We have been fully convinced that the aim of the Hausa/Fulani complex has ever been, and will ever remain, the total domination of every other part of what was known as the Federation of Nigeria. It is impossible to forget that the crisis which led to the army take over in January 1966, the coup of the Northern soldiers led by Gowon in July 1966, the wholesale and indiscriminate massacre of the people of what is now Biafra- and, to a less degree,the people of the Mid-West and West, including the Yorubas, were all the direct result of Hausa/Fulani attempt to subjugate and use as tools,the gallant people of Western Nigeria namely the Yorubas. We do not need to remind ourselves of the heavy losses in life and property suffered by the Yoruba people in their fight for justice and freedom during 1965.

 2. Sharing our belief that the people of Yorubaland have a right to live a life of equality and self-respect and justice free of domination and dictatorship from any quarter, you have both identified with the cause of the Biafra struggle for survival and expressed your determination to see the people of Yorubaland freed from Hausa/Fulani domination.

We, the people of Biafra, for our part are willing and have decided to give you and the people of Yorubaland every assistance to achieve your aim.

 3. After clearing the whole question with my Executive Council, I, as the Commander in Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces, have decided to place at your disposal Biafran forces, for the liberation of

Yorubaland on the following clear conditions:-

 (i)You will have nothing to do with the Military Administrator in the Mid-West Territory during your sojourn there prior to your move to the West.

 (ii)The willingness and preparedness of Biafra to assist any part of the former Federation of Nigeria wishing and willing to liberate itself from the Hausa/Fulani domination, does not in anyway whatever

Bastardisation of Igbo chieftaincy titles no longer acceptable - Ndigbo

*It is worrisome, we should fashion a general rule to safeguard our cultural values - Ohanaeze

*Monarchs should scrutinize recipients - Eze Nwabeke

*Some monarchs debased titles by advertising them on social media - Ozo Anaekwe

*It is against natural justice to give chieftaincy titles to people of questionable character - Igwe Ukuta

VANGUARD  Wednesday, July 15, 2020

By Anayo Okoli, Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Ugochukwu Alaribe, Chinedu Adonu, Chinonso Alozie & Ikechukwu Odu – Enugu

Ab initio, in Igbo land, chieftaincy titles are conferred only on illustrious men and women who have distinguished themselves in one thing or the other.

Some of them through their philanthropic disposition built roads, schools, churches, industries, markets, instituted scholarships to the people and other commendable and developmental projects/activities. Then, chieftaincy titles had value and respect. They were not common because they were not gotten easily.

But today, the situation has changed for bad. Chieftaincy titles no longer carry weight; they have lost their respect and value as they are purchased from traditional rulers, some at ridiculous prices.

Monarchs now dish titles out to even men of questionable characters, including known fraudsters, just because they have the money to throw around. Today, the once prestigious titles meant for men of good heart and goodwill have been bastardized and almost made worthless.

This, no doubt is giving some Igbo people concern, including the apex Igbo body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Some Igbo leaders, traditional rulers inclusive attributed the problem to various issues.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in particular, regretted that the cultural values of Ndigbo have been badly eroded in every aspect to the extent that chieftaincy titles now go to people with very questionable characters.

According to Prince Uche Achi-Okpaga, the national publicity secretary of the apex Igbo body, the bastardization of chieftaincy titles is part of the entire mess Igbo culture and tradition have gone through.

"The crux of the matter is that our cultural values have been ferociously eroded in all ramifications. The issue of chieftaincy titles does not exist in oblivion. It is part of the entire mess.

“Our young men, in the words of Prof Chinua Achebe, "…whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent gods…" covet chieftaincy titles as if their lives are tied to it.

The current Igbo are "inferior Igbo." - Obi Nwakanma.

By  Professor Obi Nwakanma

INTERESTING
The current Igbo are "inferior Igbo." - Obi Nwakanma.

Nwanna, Many years ago, the General, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu spoke about the "Biafra of the mind." Only a few, I think, understood him. Well, they say, only the deep speak to the deep.

But let me attempt here to tease out Dim Ojukwu's prescription: the greatest proof of Igbo survival and aspiration must be to model, wherever Onye-Igbo stands, the ethos of innovation, excellence, ingenuity, and ability that marked the Igbo endeavor in Biafra. We must also use Biafra as the stepping stone to a higher vision of the Igbo place in the world.

There is no single proof or evidence today that the Igbo of this generation are capable of transforming any nation to which they lay claim. I have looked; I have studied the Igbo situation, and I have listened to my Igbo kinsmen, and I think something is fundamentally wrong: the Igbo are trapped in a deadening hate, self-pity and nostalgia. It is the kind of nostalgia that is both defeatist and deadly because it continues to romanticize the past while the future speeds away.

The Igbo cannot wait until they achieve Biafra or a separate nation in order to build and secure Igbo land. Soon after the end of the war, Igbo survivors of the war, girded their loins and embarked on the work of restoration. With singular grit, they revived the economy of the East, and by 1979, just nine years after the end of the war, were ready to take on the rest of the nation again. We their children are a disgrace to the spirit of those men and women.

The Igbo are today a beggarly nation of impotent, lachrymal people now weeping about "marginalization" and waiting for Nigeria to collapse or let them go, so that they will go and make something of themselves. This is an over-indulged generation. The last of the Igbo are old and dying; the current Igbo are "inferior Igbo." They are just waiting for Godot.

Now, you say, the only time the Igbo will work is if power remains in the South. I think this is too simple. Take a look around you, where are those Igbo men and women? Which Igbo today have the sagacity of Zik, or the courage of Okpara, Mbakwe, or Ojukwu, the capacity of Ojike or Okigbo, the fierce pride and stabilizing force of the old Igbo women, the organizational acumen of an RBK Okafor, the selfless pride of those Igbo of the last generation, who always rose to the occasion when the Igbo summoned them to great causes, including giving their widows mite without question, for as long as "they Igbo have said..."

Now, what I'm trying to say, people, before I lose you, is that the Igbo have left the land, and the land has left the Igbo. There is incoherence. And an Incoherent people cannot run an independent nation, simple.

Igbos are not united: WE ARE IGBOS. DEAL WITH IT.

Igbos are not united!

It was the same people who sell you the stereotype that Igbos are not united that came out, to fight the unity of Igbos at Okota/Ago, other parts of Lagos and Igbo land in general.

Seeing that their narrative is failing, they are now selling another narrative. They are saying Igbos are putting all their eggs in one basket. 
How can the whole of the Igbos vote PDP?
Now we are being accused of not being divided enough to spare some votes for APC. Olee ihe emere ya adi uwa mma?

A little history will suffice. We are an egalitarian society. Indirect rule didn't work with Igbos.  It worked well with the North and the South West but not with Igbos. Warrant Chiefs didn't help matters either. So really, Igbos are not political lots. Same reason voter aparthy is highest in Igbo land.

But when we take a political stand, we speak with one voice. That is who we are. 
We have always done. We did it with Shagari, Obasanjo, Ya'radua and Jonathan. We are doing it against Buhari.

Make no mistake, we have always put our political eggs in one basket and that is who we are. That is why we don't entertain dynasties. The likes of Saraki and Tinubu and Mohammed won't last a decade in Igbo land (ask the Ubas of Uga).
We are decisive and courageous. If that is what you call arrogance, then so be it. But we will never stand on the fence.

I write this because of the young generation of Igbos in Nigeria. Go home to your fathers in the villages and ask questions. Learn how to be Igbo without being apologetic. The first thing people notice about an Igbo man is his enterprising spirit. It is not found anywhere else. Ihe agwo muru aghaghi ito ogologo.

We can't apologize for who we are. But what we do not have is the spirit of Nigerian politics. We don't play the politics of "Master say! Alhaji say! Baba so kpe! Everyone is a master in Igbo land. Onweghi onye na akpanye ibe ya nri.

The Igwe of my community has no more stake in the affairs of my community than I do. He is more of a representative of the people to the government and the custodian of our tradition than a "ruler" in the real sense of it. That is why we have the cabinet and elders in council.
Igbo amaghi eze. 

It is not a bad thing in a sense that decisions are collectively taken, from the household, through the hamlets to the community. It does not make us lawless lots. The consultative mechanism is our strength. Igwe bu ike.

THE HAUSA-FULANI ARE NOT OUR MATES

Dan Okojie Wrote:

Southern Nigeria [Igbo, Yoruba and Niger Delta] listen to me carefully. 

Forget your PhDs, businesses, "abroad exposure", "open-eye", big big grammar, social media sagacity etc. Get your notes, go and beg the Hausa-Fulani to tutor you on how to play politics.

The average Fulani man may look dirty, uneducated, unexposed, deprived or stupid but he possesses a knowledge of the importance of political power and how to use it. The Hausa-Fulani are not by any means stupid. In fact, they are masters of Nigerian politics. 

Nigeria's transition to democracy in 1999, was heralded as a new dawn for a brighter future. In preparation to enthrone himself as a civilian President, the late General Sani Abacha created Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Gombe and Ekiti States. Now making 36 in total. The South had absolutely no idea that by this, the balance of power would forever tilt towards the North even in a democratic setting. Only on this premise did Abacha agree to an eventual transition to democracy which General Abdusalam would see through. The 1999 constitution [the one supervised and crafted by the Caliphate], put paid to the aspirations of the South and set the stage for its perpetual subservience to the North. Our politicians didn't think much about it-we were happy Obasanjo was made President.

In today's Nigeria, Northern Nigeria dominates virtually every aspect of the nation's political dynamics. Democracy is a game of numbers and with this fact, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger etc., will continue to play significant roles in who becomes President of Nigeria, their members in the national assembly will continue to constitute the majority without which key bills would falter if not in their interests-PIB, NNPC sale, oil blocks licensing, electoral reforms, restructuring etc.

No matter your wealth, the real power lies with who calls the shots in politics. By fiat, your billions could be frozen by the President whimsically. The average Southerner is not politically conscious. He doesn't understand politics nor does he think beyond an election cycle. The Hausa-Fulani plan across generational lines. They think ahead. You often see the shoemaker, sugarcane seller, herdsman, suya man and others glued to their transistor radio. They don't bother about Davido, Tuface or Teniola. They are focused on what's going on in the polity-propaganda, religious directives, strategies, policy etc.

Their mosques are centers for religious, political and social engineering. In every election, they vote en bloc for a particular candidate regardless of performance. Once their leaders direct, they follow. Some may call this foolishness but I beg to differ. It is exactly why Buhari was so confident going into the 2019 elections having performed disastrously. Southern Nigeria's churches focus on tithes, wealth and bogus spiritual promises of a "better life".

You don't find Hausa-Fulani killing themselves during elections. But the supposedly "Educated" South is always a war zone at every election cycle.

While Southerners target Shell, Mobil, Total, Chevron, Zenith bank, traveling abroad, bagging degrees etc, the average Northerner's focus is the NDA, military, CBN, NNPC, DPR, NAPIMS, Police, DSS and other organizations that have considerable strategic influence in the affairs of the country.

Northern Nigeria is way smarter, united, politically mature and coherent than the South. Kwankwaso may disagree with Buhari but he would never get into a war of words with him like Amaechi did with Jonathan in 2015. Kwankwaso and Ganduje may be political enemies but you would never see their supporters shelling themselves with bullets like those of Amaechi and Wike. Buhari and Atiku [both Fulani men] contested the 2019 elections, not a single bullet was fired in the North but over 50 persons were killed in Rivers State alone due to the feud between Amaechi and Wike.

We need to come down from our high horse, go on our knees to beg them to lecture us for we are but babies in this game.

IGBONIZATION OF NIGERIA

#ChangingTheNarrative. Fun facts about the Igbo and Igboland. ....... In case you don't know:

1) Finding a bungalow in #Onitsha is like looking for a fish in a desert.

2) #Onitsha has more multistorey buildings than a combination of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Ondo all put together.

3) #Owerri has the most concentration of hotels, clubs, and bars per square meter in Nigeria.

4) #Onitsha is the most densely populated city in Nigeria outside Lagos.

5) #Enugu in 2014 made the list of Most resilient cities in the world and the first in Nigeria.

6) #Owerri and # Aba have the most organized city masterplan, initiated by former governor Dr. Sam Mbakwe of old imo state. Sadly Aba has been left to rot, due to bad governance.

7)#Anambra state has the best urban and rural road network of any state in Nigeria.

8): For the past 10yrs, #Anambra, #IMO, #Abia, #Enugu, are the leading states in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, and are also the leading states with NYSC pass out.

9) #Imo, #Anambra, #Delta presently have the most Ph.D. holder and Professors in Nigeria.

10) By premium times report, #IMO, #Anambra and #Delta are the leading states for law admission for the past 5yrs, while #Imo, #Anambra, #Delta, and #Enugu are leading for medicine admission.

11)#Anambra #Imo and #Enugu have the highest cut off mark for admission into federal unity schools and colleges, yet these states produce the most graduates from those colleges. For Anambra, it is 139, Imo 138, Enugu 134.

12) In 2017, #Igbo students dominated the list of graduates in Engineering and medicine departments in covenant university.

13) In any city, town or village you enter outside #Igboland in #Nigeria, after the indigenous language speakers, the next are the #Igbo.

14) The #Igbo are the largest diaspora #Nigerians in any country in the world except in the Uk, where the #Yorubas hold sway.

15) The University of Nigeria Nsukka has the most influential alumni of any university in #Nigeria.

16) #Owerri has the highest concentration of beautiful girls of any city in #Nigeria.

17) #Onitsha main market in #Anambra state and #Ariaria market in #Aba #Abia state remain the biggest commodity markets in West Africa.

18) #Igboland has the biggest and most influential Football and Nollywood stars in #Nigeria.

19) #Onitsha houses the highest concentration of multi storey apartments per square meter in #Sub-Saharan #Africa

20) In 2018, the National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), reported that 60 Percent Of Cargo In #Nigeria goes to #Onitsha.

21)#Portharcourt, #Owerri, #Enugu, and #Asaba airports are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th busiest airports in #Nigeria respectively.

22)#Uli airport in present-day #Anambra state was the first indigenously built airport in black Africa. Built by the #Biafrans during the civil war. Though a makeshift airport, it served its purpose during the civil war but was destroyed after the war.

23) #Imo Airport is the only indigenously built and the first state-owned airport in #Nigeria. Built from contributions and donations from Indigenes (then #Imo and #Abia). Initiated under the leadership of Sam Mbakwe, but officially commenced operation in 1991.

 #IgboAmaka! ✍🏿

A PEEP THROUGH THE VEIL - THE FINAL SCENE OF THE EXCLUSION OF THE IGBO NATION FROM GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IGBO RENAISSANCE FORUM (IRF)
By Nze Ugo-Akpe Onwuka (Oyi of Oyi II)

First of all, we would want to seize this opportunity to congratulate the malevolent schemers who have succeeded in scheming the Igbo nation out of the country Nigeria.

We are congratulating them because they have succeeded in doing what is virtually impossible in sane climes.

They have succeeded in strangling separation of powers and would in no time shoot the rule of law, point blank in the middle of the eyes.

It is great to know that you completed your mission albeit without much resistance from those who are at risk and should have known better.

It is expedient to note that the final nail was hammered into the casket of Igbo involvement in governance in Nigeria today as the cycle is fully completed.

As the country Nigeria stands today, there is no Igbo man in the Executive ranks, non in the Judiciary, non in the Security and non in the legislature.

Hurray! (This is the reaction of those who are about to commit self destruction)

It has become very obvious to even a blind man that the Igbo is not wanted in the affairs of governance in Nigeria, and for those who have been very watchful as these schemes played out, we are neither surprised nor perturbed.

The time for introspection is NOW!

This is the time for the Igbo nation to go back to their drawing board and get things fixed.

We are sure that some folks might be thinking that we as a people should have aligned with the wobbling and fumbling government for crumbs falling off their blood stained tables, but please keep that thought to yourself.

The Igbo nation does not condone abomination, and the way the affairs of government has been carried out since 2015 is the most correct definition of abomination.

People have been slaughtered from every part of this country without one successful arrest and prosecution by those who claim to have been put into office to protect the citizens.

Appointments have been made without recourse to common sense and good conscience.

The economy has gone into reverse mode with Nigeria being hailed as the poverty capital of the  world, if not that of the universe.

Unemployment has gone through the roof with jobless citizens still screaming support for those that have practically impaled them.

Investing in Nigeria is now akin to fetching water with a basket.

Unfortunately, in the face of all these humans are not bothered about the impending doom but are unified in the quest to muscle out a people that are not a threat to them, while embracing and entrenching those that have as their main goal the annihilation and annexation of their common patrimony.

What a shame!

As the NEXT LEVEL of impunity, unhindered massacres, unquestioned rape, arson and terror is enthroned, let me tell you for free that it is going to be a tough time, just like Buhari promised all of you who are dancing shoki for the supposed success of their mundane agenda.

As we recoil to ask deep questions of ourselves, let it be known that Nigeria has descended finally into the abyss of tyranny.

If you are still not alive to the current situation in Nigeria, please kindly scream for urgent help.

And for those other regions that would be gloating over the lot of the Igbo nation in the country Nigeria, we are deeply sorry for all of you.

We are proud to be who we are!

We do not stand with evil, and we are ready and willing to bear the consequences of such a noble stand.

When the roll call of those who have separated themselves from the plague shall be made, we shall stand tall and with broad smiles on our faces, tell the  world that, "yes, we stand by our principles."

Finally, let those who make reference to themselves as leaders in Igbo land know today that the time for them to connect with the people is now or never!

- Nze Ugo-Akpe Onwuka (Oyi of Oyi II)

International Coordinator - Igbo Renaissance Forum

Igbo and the wisdom of the west

By Hyginus Azubike
~vanguard Nigeria. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018.

WHEN the presidential flag-bearer of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku
nominated Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate, joy was universal. In the political history of Nigeria, no such nomination was greeted with the type of elation with which Nigerians received it. From North to South and East to West, the citizenry proclaimed Atiku's choice as the best Nigeria has witnessed preparatory to general elections.

Most Nigerians were excited by Obi's nomination due to his performance as Governor of Anambra State. They believe, rightly, that teaming up with Atiku, they will replicate the Anambra wonder.

As Nigeria's Vice-President when Obi was Governor of Anambra State, Atiku must have closely observed the younger man; and was satisfied with Obi's several positive contributions at meetings and saw in him what the rest of Nigerians did. Atiku himself said of Obi: "In 2016, my running mate, former Governor Peter Obi, gave an Independence Day speech at 'The Platform' event organised by Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos.

It was an unforgettable Independence Day event which, according to Google analytics, was the most searched item in Nigeria on that day. Why was that speech so attractive to Nigerians? It is because Mr. Obi gave a detailed breakdown of the reality of governance in Nigeria today, which is one of a wasteful squandering of the riches that should have gone into the development of our youth".


However, it was both shocking and perplexing that the opposition Obi got was from the South East, the very people who are supposed to be at home with the wonders that he did in Anambra State. In what looked like diplomacy's way of saying 'No' to a person, a group of persons said that they were against the process by which Atiku nominated Obi. They went as far as issuing statements and initiating moves intent on truncating the choice. What was instructive was that while they were on this, the Westerners appealed and even send a delegation to Atiku that they were fully ready for the post should the Easterners lose it due to their folly. This singular act should stick as food-for-thought for the people of the East.

Full Video: What Southern, Middle Belt Leaders told Saraki

~Oak Tv

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nwodo, has suggested that too much powers in the hands of the executive is the reason for the disregard of the legislative arm of government by some public officials...

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Female Traditional Ruler: At a point during my coronation I became a man - Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma, Delta State

Written by Jimitota Onoyume, Asaba
Sunday, March 11, 2018

Omu Anioma

Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma is a notable female chief in Delta State. In this interview, she speaks on how she oversees the affairs of her community. She spoke on the side lines of Peaceworks, a Niger Delta dialogue facilitated by Dr Judith Asuni of Academic Associates.

Were there battles you fought to ascend the throne?

There were no battles. Our forefathers set up the Omu traditional institution over 700 years ago. In Aniomaland, from Asaba to Agbor, among others, the forefathers designed that every community must have a traditional ruler but in Omu, we have a traditional ruler who is a man and another who is a woman. However, the male traditional ruler is superior in communities where there is also a female traditional ruler because man comes first, and, when you are crowned as in my case in Omu, you must come to the palace to reign; you must leave your marital home. At the point of coronation, you are bestowed male rights; that is why you can break the kolanut, you become a man and a woman put together. I tried to find out why. 


Research shows that God created man and woman, but it is the woman that is better positioned to understand woman. That is why the Omu means Eze Nwanye, female king in charge of women, female youths, markets, ancestral shrines, businesses. More importantly, she is the spiritual custodian, the one who advises the male traditional ruler and the town spiritually. That is why they felt this woman should not be married so she can be in a state of chastity. The woman is also seen as the mother of all in the town. If you are living with a man and he slaps you, it is believed to be a slap on the town. But as Omu, you can marry out children who will bear children for you. Female chiefs of Omu are patterned in a way that they are different from male chiefs. There is no contest. You don't aspire to it. It is God who reveals who will become the traditional ruler for women. In some Anioma communities, it is hereditary; in others, it is rotational.

What is the experience like? How do you operate in an environment in which many believe royalty exclusively belongs to men?

Because I am a media practitioner, I have brought visibility to the Omu throne. Definitely, men will not feel at ease. And of course some traditional rulers will not feel at ease but it is not a modern creation; it has been there for ages and there is nothing they can do about it. Our forefathers wanted the woman to play her role and the man to also play his role to move the community forward. I am a member of the Omu traditional rulers' council to speak for women. And in case there is trouble, it is easy for you to come in. I have my own palace and chiefs. In my area, you find men who are not comfortable with my status but I did not choose myself; it is spiritual. I just want the hand of God to continue to be on my head. I don't want anybody to like me. I just do the right thing, do what the ancestors want me to do.

THE ANCIENT FEMINISM OF OLD IGBO TRADITION

(The Female POPES of IGBO Ethnic Group)

~as shared by Stephen UYANNE - Awka.

THE QUESTION
A child belongs to his fatherland and not his motherland; and yet, we say 'NNEKA' - 'Mother is Supreme.' Why is that?'
(Things Fall Apart - pg 106)

I was born in the eastern part of Nigeria, Igbo Tribe. It does not in any way represent the whole Africa, but allow me to tell you about my forefathers and the place of a woman in the ancient Igbo tradition and custom. One of the biggest lies in the world's history is the record that claimed that women were objectized in Igbo Land. There is no truth in it.  

In as much as Igbos - like every patriarchal society of the old -
 prefered male children, their daughters were their pride. A woman perpetually belongs to her father's house. It is called 'Okputolokpu' - everlasting, that is why every Igbo community calls grown daughters born in a family - Umu okpu. This explains why a man can never finish the marital rites of a woman in Igbo land. During bride price, no Igbo community would accept everything offered as dowry. The reason is that the woman is priceless.

That is why, in Igbo tradition and custom, when a man beats his wife, the wife can return to his father's house. It is not a taboo, and before the husband can take the woman he MUST -according to the tradition - go to his in-laws with a pot/bottle of wine. 

NO ONE IN HISTORY HAS EVER FINISHED PAYING THE DOWRY OF AN IGBO WOMAN FOR SHE IS PRICELESS

One of my oldest relative had only sons and no daughters; he normally said to his sons, 'You do not have a sibling yet.' 


In the Igbo ethnic group, a child belongs to the fatherland but is referred to as the child of the mother. The term 'Siblings' is generally known as 'Nwanne'  (trans. the child of my mother because men were polygamous, the children of your mother are your siblings). 

A male sibling is 'Nwanne m Nwoke' (The male child of my mother)

A female sibling is 'Nwanne m Nwanyi' (The female child of my mother). 

That is why the people of Igbo Ethnic group practise what is known till this day as 'Nwadiana' (meaning The Child of the Soil)

NWADIANA
'Your' Nwadianas are the children whose mothers were married from your family. 
Example: My sister's children are my Nwadianas. In Igbo custom, I am their Nna Ochie - ancient fathers. 

It's wrong to blame Igbo for January 1966 coup - Iwuanyanwu

Written by Emmanuel Elebeke
~vanguard Nigeria. Monday, November 6, 2017.

…Says Ojukwu never supported secession.

 Iwuanyanwu

abuja-Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwart and publisher of Champion newspaper, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has debunked the belief that Igbo policial leaders instigated the January 1966 coup that ended the first republic.

Chief Iwunyanwu made the assertion at the weekend during the celebration of his 75th birthday in Abuja.

He said it was wrong for anybody to insult Igbo by claiming that political leaders from the region masterminded the coup, when in the real sense, the same Igbo leaders stopped the coup from actualising its main objectives.

"Before I die, I want to correct the erroneous belief being fed to Nigerian youths that the January 1966 coup was instigated by Igbo leaders. It is not true. Yes, the person who led it was an Igbo from Delta State but he had with him people from other tribes: Yoruba, Niger Delta and other places.It was a purely military coup. It was not Igbo coup. There was no time Igbo leaders told the military to carry out the coup.

"If for anything, Nnamdi Azikiwe was very sad at the death of Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello and others. I want the younger generation of Nigerians to know that they are being told lies.”

On why the coup failed, he said: "I want them also to know why the coup failed. It failed because an Igbo man, General Aguiyi Ironsitook up arms and arrested the coup plotters and put them in prison.

”Ironsi was the one controlling the army then. If he had supported the coup, it could have succeeded. So,it was Igbo that stopped the coup. Ironsi was eventually killed because all of us said we do not want unitary government. We wanted political restructuring. We are very serious about it and many Nigerians have said it."

Igbo have invested more in Nigeria than Hausa, Yoruba – Iwuanyanwu

Written by Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri
~Punch Nigeria. Thursday, May 25, 2017.

Eminent businessman and politician, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Wednesday said that the Igbo do not want to secede from Nigeria.

Speaking as a special guest of honour at a National Unity summit organised by Arewa Ambassadors Congress of Nigeria in partnership with Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Iwuanyanwu said that the people of the South East zone would fight anybody who wanted to secede from Nigeria, including the Arewa and Oduduwa people.

The program which held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, had youths across Geopolitical zones taking part in the conference.

He said that the Igbo were major stakeholders in the country and would not be party to any move to divide it.

According to him, the federal government did wrong to have arrested the leader of the ingenious people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

He said, “He (Kanu) only expressed his view. No arm was found in his possession. We are Biafrans and we are not ashamed to say it. Igbo have invested more in Nigeria than Arewa and Oduduwa. We want to be one Nigeria in fairness.”

Iwuanyanwu said that the Biafra Republic was somebody’s personal opinion, adding that the Igbo youths were rebelling only against the injustice done to the region.

“Biafra is not about secession. It is a name of a particular people in Nigeria from the South East. Therefore, it is not an offense to say that I am a Biafran. There was no victor, no vanquished after the civil war. I am impressed with Yakubu Gowon because he implemented all the agreements reached at the end of the Civil War. Igbo were not deprived at the end of the civil war, “Iwuanyanwu added.

He, therefore, challenged the Nigerian youths to work for the growth of the country and shun tribal and religious sentiments, adding that the country had the capacity to become one of the best countries in the world in the years to come.

Iwuanyanwu accused the federal government of currently marginalising the Igbo people, simply because the zone voted en masse for the people’s Democratic Party in the last presidential election.

The governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, told the youths to uphold the Unity of the country where ever they went.

Represented by his special Adviser on Northern affairs, Faisal Lawan, Okorocha identified cultism as one of the vicesworking against the growth of young Nigerians.

The president of AACN, Esinrogunjo Musbaudeen, asserted that the essence of the summit was to stress the importance of National unity and integration, adding that the political class had to give more young people the opportunities to showcase their leadership prowess.

New names emerge for HIV/AIDS, prostitutes in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba

Written by Modupe Seriboh
Sunday, April 16, 2017

A team of Nigerian linguists and medical experts have adopted new names for HIV, AIDS and prostitutes in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in order to reduce the scourge of stigmatisation.

A statement on Saturday by Prof. Herbert Igboanusi of the University of Ibadan, said the adoption was to eliminate stigmatisation and discrimination of persons living with HIV and AIDS.

He said that the study adopted the following names as more appropriate for the HIV/AIDS.

HIV in Igbo is Ori Nchekwa Ahu meaning something that fights or weakens the body immunity while AIDS is Mminwu, a condition that causes emaciation.

According to the statement the Yorùbá, appropriate term for HIV is Kòkòrò Apa Sójà Ara (KASA) meaning sickness that which kills the body immunity while AIDS is ààrùn ìs?d?`l? àj?sára a sickness that completely weakens body immune system.

In Hausa, HIV is now Karya garkuwa meaning that which weakens the body immune system while Kanjamau a sickness capable of emaciating one’s body has been chosen for AIDS.

Igboanusi said that the study was a two-year research titled “A metalanguage for HIV, AIDS and Ebola discourses in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba” sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He called on speakers of the three languages to adhere to the use of these chosen terms in order to avoid confusing HIV with AIDS and consequently reduce their spread through behavioural change.

“It is the researchers’ belief that behavioural change is only possible when the people are familiar with the appropriate terminology for HIV and AIDS in their own languages.”

Similarly, the experts also adopted a new name for commercial sex worker in line with international practice.

“Since it is now more acceptable to refer to certain persons as “commercial sex workers” rather than “prostitutes”, we agreed that Nd? mkw??ghar? people who hang around for them in Igbo.

“Gbélé pawó, women who stay at home making money in Yoruba and Mata masu zaman kansu that is women who are living independently in Hausa.