₦airaland Forum

Frequently asked questions about Igbos and their answers by Ogaranya Uju Nkwocha Afulezi, Ph.D., Duru Akwukwo III Ndi Umuohiagu
Question: Is Southeast and Igboland the same thing?
Answer: Not at all. Southeast is only about 3/5th of Igboland. Igboland covers the whole of Southeast, parts of Rivers, Delta, Benue, and Akwa Ibom states.
Question: Why were we taught in school that Igbo people are easterners? Answer: It is both an unfortunate parroting by teachers and careless adoption by Igbo educated class. Igbo people come from Southern Nigeria and not Eastern Nigeria. It may be correct to say that the Igbo are found predominantly in eastern Nigeria. However, by saying that the Igbo are easterners, the implication is that the Igbo in western Nigeria, numbering about 2.5 million (Agbor, Ogwashi Ukwu, Ibuzo, Okpanam, Asaba, Orimili, Ndokwa, Anioma, etc) are not Igbos. The best known Igbo anthropologist Professor Mike Onwuejeogwu is from the western part of Nigeria, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Dennis Osadebe, Okonkwo Adibe (the famous musician), Sony Odogwu, etc. are all from the western part of Nigeria. They are no less Igbo than those who live in the eastern part of Nigeria. The correct answer to your question is "the Igbo come from Southern Nigeria." Question: Why do some Igbo refer to themselves as "core Igbo?" Answer: That is clearly arrant nonsense. Nobody is core and others peripheral. All Igbo are the same. It is both arrogant, thoughtless and insensitive for anybody to regard others as marginal. Question: Is Igboland landlocked? Answer: [/b]Not at all. Igboland stretches from Igwe Ocha (Port Harcourt) to Agbor. The Atlantic ocean washes the shores of Igboland. Africa's second largest river - River Niger, traverses Igboland with one part of Igboland in the east and another part in the west of Nigeria. Uguta Lake has the potential of accommodating large ships and could be made a navigable port. If Igboland is landlocked, then all Nigeria is landlocked. [b]Question: Is there oil in Igboland? Answer: [/b]Yes, indeed. There is a lot of oil in Imo State, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers State and Delta States Igbo areas, and now in Anambra. Besides, Igboland has many other natural resources, including coal, limestone, etc. [b]Question: Are the Igbo a nation or a tribe? Answer: [/b]The Igbo are a nation, and a very large one. There are many tribes in Igbo nation, just like you have many tribes within Israel. [b]Question: Why do some Ikwerre people say they are not Igbo? Answer: First, it is not up to them to say what they are and what they are not. When God created them, He did not ask them who they wanted to be. He just created them Igbo. The only way you'll know who belongs to what ethnic group in Nigeria is the name and what language the name comes from. Anybody whose name is Amadi or Onyeri, or Eke, or Odili, Wanodi (Nwanodi) does not need to tell you who he is. He is Igbo, his politics notwithstanding. Question: But they claim that their language is Ikwerre, not Igbo. Answer: That is politics. Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo language. Just like an Ngwa man speaks Ngwa Igbo, Arochukwu speaks Arochukwu Igbo, etc. Question: Some people say that Igbo language is not complete, is it true? Answer: [/b]No language is complete. All languages borrow from each other. Igbo language is very rich. It has inexhaustible and rich linguistic features like idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, sayings, anecdotes, riddles, folklores, etc. Igbo language is one of the major languages of the world, being spoken by millions of people. [b]Question: How many are the Igbo? Answer: The Igbo are very numerous. There is educated guess that if Nigeria's census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now, is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa. Question: Do the Igbo have a culture of their own? Answer: [/b]Yes, indeed. Igbo culture is perhaps, one of the richest and all-encompassing cultures in this world. Igbo culture always observes the temporal and the spiritual aspects of cosmology. The study of Igbo culture reveals that it is extremely deep and original. [b]Question: Why do the Igbo wear Yoruba Agbada and Hausa babban riga but the Yoruba and the Hausa do not ever wear Igbo national dress? Answer: Unfortunately this is the case. The Igbo have very attractive and resplendent national dresses. And they come in assortments that are extremely dignifying. The Igbo take up foreign cultures more readily than other Nigerians, and they seem not to care that nobody reciprocates their carefree attitude to life. Most ethnics promote their cultures and show off what makes them unique. Actually, it is still the same so-called educated Igbo class who behave in such disgraceful and the devil-may-care attitude. Question: Why do the Igbo call themselves Biafrans? Answer: Great question. Some people have the idea that Biafra originates from the Bight of Biafra. But that is wrong. There was the Kingdom of Biafra that ruled most of the ancient world about 50,000 years ago. Unfortunately, nobody talks about it, for whatever reason, I do not know. But, it is in the ancient maps of the world. If you wish I'll make a copy and send to you. Question: Were the Igbo also taken into slavery during the slave trade? Answer: [/b]Yes. The Igbo slaves themselves gave account of their travails in slavery. Olauda Ekwuano an Igbo ex-slave who bought his freedom in Britain was the first slave to write about his experience in slavery. His book has become a classic. You ought to find it and read it. Also, other Igbos who were brought to America revolted and some walked back on water and were said to have returned to Africa. Several books have been written about them. One of such books is "Ibo Landing." It is available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. In Haiti, the Igbo settled there and refused to be colonized by anybody. There are many places where the Igbo left their mark or their signature. [b]Question: How did the Igbo know days and years? Answer: [/b]The Igbo invented an accurate, if not the most accurate calendar called "Iguafo Igbo (Igbo Calendar)." In Igbo calendar, there are four market days - Eke, Afor, Nkwo, Orie that make one week. Four days make one week, seven weeks make one month, and thirteen months make one year. There are 28 days for each month, with the last month having 29 days. Each month starts the same day as the previous. Igbo calendar forms the perfect astronomical alignment with the cosmos, and regulates the seasons, agriculture, navigation, astrology, geography, mathematics, travel, etc. [b]Question: Did the Igbo have their own alphabets? Answer: [/b]Yes, indeed. It is called "Nsibidi." [b]Question: How about mathematics; did the Igbo know mathematics? Answer: [/b]Yes, indeed. There are such inventions as "Okwe" and "Mkpisi" which the Igbo used to resolve figures. [b]Question: Did the Igbo know anything about banking? Answer: [/b]Yes. Igbo banking was more in the nature of Savings and Loans. The authentic Igbo savings and loans invention called "Isusu' in which contributions are pooled each week and one person, who has the need, collects, is still in practice. Igbo slaves took this invention to the Caribbean Islands where they still practise it and call it "Sue Sue." [b]Question: Some people say that Igboland is too small for the Igbo, that they have no alternative than to live as Nigerians: is this true? Answer: False. Igboland is a large country. Do every Igbo need to stay and work in Igboland? No. Everywhere in the world, some will stay home while others venture abroad in search of opportunities. Igboland is large enough for the Igbo. And it is a very rich and hospitable part of the world. It has rich soil for agriculture, abundant rainfall, good sunshine, and table land in many parts. Its land space and population are more than that of over half of the present countries in the world. Question: Where did the Igbo come from? Answer: That question is still being asked. There are very intriguing theories or histories now being studied. You may have heard of the Jewish angle, the Egypt angle, and the Origin of man angle. This twenty-first century, hopefully, will resolve the mystery. Question: Why do people say that the Igbo are not united? Answer: Those who say so, do so out of ignorance. The Igbo are famous for their unity. In the colonial period and the First Republic of Nigeria, the Igbo were always envied for their unity. Under Igbo Union, they accomplished many things. They were feared by others for this. Since after the war, the Igbo are gradually recovering and getting rid of the individualism they developed brought about by their war experience which enabled them to survive as a disinherited people. Now, there are vigorous efforts to reunite them and return them to their old glory which served them well in the past. Question: Some people say that the Igbo are susceptible to being bought by some other Nigerians, and that they "sell" the Igbo in the bargain; is this true? Answer: The same parroting and recycling of unfounded talk. When you hear such a talk, challenge the one who is mouthing it to give you evidence, or to cite an example of such an Igbo person. He is likely to say "what of Jim Nwobodo?" Tell him that the Igbo number about 40 million, if it would be fair for the action of one person to represent the integrity of the other 3.99.9 million. The truth is that an Igbo is like any other human being, when he sees where he can take advantage of a situation, he goes for it. It has nothing to do with "selling." Were we not told that fish clusters where the river was deepest or that the dog follows he who has crumbs? Not long ago in the history of Nigeria, other Nigerians were also running after the Igbo for crumbs because the Igbo were in position to call the shots. Things will not remain as they are today. In fact, things are changing fast. Question: Why are other Nigerians always persecuting the Igbo? Answer: [/b]I have always tried to know myself. I am one of those who believe that the Igbo are among the most peaceful people on earth. But, because of the fact that they are very hardworking, ambitious, and not afraid to live anywhere, or take up any task, they tend to be resented by their less ambitious and successful neighbors or hosts. When you confront a non- Igbo to say what specific offense the Igbo have committed against them, oftentimes they draw blank, or engage in fabrications, which they insist must stand for a fact. The Igbo believe in live-and- let-live. It is virtually impossible for any Igbo to rise against their guests or hosts. It has never happened in Nigeria, or elsewhere. It is an abomination in Igboland for a host to cause his guest harm. Instead, a guest is considered metaphysically and physically under the protection of the host. All Igbo deities forbid doing harm to a guest. The Igbo are accused of "loving money." I suppose the charge is based on the fact that they work hard and acquire money in the bargain. One would like to believe that the outcome of hardwork is good harvest and hopefully prosperity. If anybody take-Do the Igbo have their own system of jurisprudence before the arrival of the white mans offense at the prosperity of a hardworking person, then the Igbo or for that matter any other person or persons, have no apologies to render. [b]Answer: [/b]Yes. The Igbo had a system of resolving conflicts. The elders were presented with cases that could not be satisfactorily settled within the family or kindred. Matters where veracity must be ascertained, the Igbo resort to spirituality. Oath-taking is a matter left to the spirits to settle. Those who swear falsely were expected to be killed by the spirits within a given period. After the period, he is acquitted and he could celebrate with public merry-making. The Igbo did not have any prisons, but they could ostracise a culprit, exile him, or send him into slavery or to serve to a deity. [b]Question: Why don't the Igbo teach these things you are telling me to their children? [b]Answer: [/b]In the pursuit of what they taught was the "new way" either from Europeans or o Christianity, the Igbo began to distance themselves from their heritage, and in the process became lost in the wilderness of a world they hardly understand. They have learned their lesson the hard way. The twenty-first century will lead them back home.

Please let us always leave a space for dissent.

Op you have all the right in the world not to support Biafra.

But my brother it's the future we are talking about here. Is our future and that of our children and children children guaranteed in a country like Nigeria where some hausa fulanis live a total animal life. Killing and maiming at will while yorubas play the ostrich and minority tribes bought with a sliver gold.

To buttress my point Op, do you know that boko haram would have had foot soldiers from all tribes in Nigeria if they are actually killing Nigerian leaders and those in government?

Do you know that people will take to the streets to celebrate if the Senate building is nuked with all the senators inside?

In my heart of heart I want Biafra even if it will cost blood so long it came at the end of the war.

And the only thing that would have ended the Biafran agitation is the restructuring of the Nigerian system which of course the Northerners will never agree to. As a restructured Nigeria would offer all sections of the country a better future and opportunities

EzePromoe:
[color=#DC143C][b]Be careful of the nonsense you post whenever you mention my moniker. You've not made any port yet that would convince right thinking persons that you're an Ikwerreman. It's not about accepting or not accepting to be Igbo. The manner at which you're hell bent on planting a seed of discord between the Ikwerres and other Rivers men leave much to be desired. You make it look like the Ikwerre people shared no history or have nothing to do with the Igbos from yonder which is false in its entirety. Let me give you an example of my community. The grandfather of our former Royal Highness, Eze Horney Orlu (Eze Gbaka Gbaka) was from Imo state. His father lived and blended with the culture of Igwuruta people. Until his death in 2007, he was adjudged to be one of the best among the kings that had ruled Igwuruta. If the Ikwerres hated the Igbos that much like you're making it to look like, do you think it's possible for the stranger to come and be king in another man's land? There is also this man from Awo Omamma who is married to my cousin. He was born and bred in Igwuruta but in the last general elections, he vied for councillorship. How is that possible if Igbos and Ikwerres hate each other that much? Have you ever seen an Ijaw man or someone from any other ethnicity (let me not go far by mentioning Yoruba or Hausa) achieve that feat in Ikwerre land? What does that tell you about the Igbo/Ikwerre relationship. I'm not always keen to argue anything with you because to me, you're not an Ikwerre man. I'm just concerned because it's my ethnicity that you're dragging to the mud, and many people on this forum are so daft that they fall for it and return the gesture in kind. I know that you're feeling happy with yourself that you're achieving your aims and all I can say to you is 'Well done.'[/b][/color]

Don't bother yourself, I know that hopeathand is an impostor just that some people wouldn't know.

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Ford expedition goes for how much?

I hope nairaland 'we South South' deluded self appointed mouth piece can now hear from those who truly matter from that region

melodies:
The question is simple enough, its not about what I think but the statement you made that Igbos are more powerful and you providing the indices that support your statement

Actually there is no basis for comparison between Igbo and Ijaws

So stop asking him to compare

Lol

Fellow can't even pretend




Go and form your South South state with Sobos and edos whom I doubt will want to live with you outside nairaland.

So long you didn't touch anioma and any Igbo speaking people in Rivers state, I wish you God speed

Lol

Ofe loun!

Future gloomy for Nigerian youths, says Gowon

Friday Olokor

A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon
(retd.), on Saturday expressed concern over the
spate of insecurity and corruption in the country,
saying the future is gloomy for the youths.
The elder statesman, therefore, called for deep
reflection by all citizens.

According to him, other issues such as moral
decadence, sexual perversion and restiveness
should equally pose serious concern to the
citizens.

Gowon, who was represented by the National
Secretary of Nigeria Prays, Evangelist Austin
Kemie, spoke at the 25th anniversary of Scripture
Union work in Abuja.

He stated that all citizens must rise to deal with
the various issues of moral burdens in the
educational institutions. He said there was the
need to arrest the tide through massive prayer
campaign and action.

Gowon said, “If we do not rise to bring our youths
into the path of rectitude, then, their future
prospects will appear gloomy and we cannot build
a virile nation of trust, integrity and good
governance.”

He also paid glowing tributes to the leadership of
the SU, Abuja chapter, for labouring to impact
godly values and virtues in people.
He said, “Today’s celebration calls us into deep
reflection of our lost godly values and virtues,
particularly as Christian men and women, and
seek to recover them. This occasion must
therefore compel us to reflect deeply on the state
of our nation.”

The National Chairman of the SU, Ekpo Etim Ekpo,
challenged members of the organisation to
continue to reach out to the world with God’s
word.

He called on Christians across the country to
continue to be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
“No matter what you give and do, if the purpose is
not winning soul, you are not winning,” he said.


www.punchng.com/2015/11/2971

This is one topic too many

Truckpusher:
You obviously lack basic comprehension skill , bro.
We simply voiced our opinion as free men and we never claimed to be spokesmen for any people just like your inconsenquential self here ,yet that fellow made a statement , giving reasons that we are solely responsible for his decision and you went ahead to blab.
My only problem here is that you're actually giving an intelligent advice to a dumb comment and tthat makes you dumber and less intelligent.

I lack basic compression of your tripe.

I don't know why you are digressing. I can't remember asking you whatever it was you and your partner did. All I did was proffer advice to a man who have certainly erroneously overrated the duo of you.


Please stop your vituperations. I didn't put you and your partner down, I simply put the duo of you in your proper places as insignificants... for the good of all.

Truckpusher:
Trying very hard to make your garbage look nice, I see! Knwotinu......
Here is the deal, tell your guinea pig that he and his folks should learn how to differentiate party politics from regional/ethnic interests . They are two different things.

Exactly what I was trying to make that fellow understand, that he being a guinea pig as you have called him, must as a matter of imperative urgency be informed that you, your partner, and the rest of your folks are rats and immaterial in such matters as you were both postulating. And so whatever decision he makes as a guinea pig must never be as a result of the opinions and feelings of some rodents.

Truckpusher:
Being an existentialist, doesn't give you the freedom to label another man's thought process as flawed thereby calling him names and labeling his ideas as "inconsequential" if you know the basic rules for every existentialist. After all an existentialists were the forebearers of freedom for human expression.
So , go read up about the ideology behind attributed ideologies before calling yourself one while doing the opposite like a hypocrite.

You see, those of us who lean towards existentialism places much importance first on existence before essence. Which was why I was informing that fellow that the dou of you will always exist, but of course without ESSENCE. So if he happens to find himself in a new party and met your duo crashing the party he must not try to run anymore as you both only exist but without ESSENCE as he might want to misconceive.

Truckpusher:
You must be feeling very important then?

I'd rather you think of me as an existentialist!

K

And 33 million unemployed youths/touts.

Truckpusher:
And you actually sat down to give this kind of advice to some iidiotic comment from a man who left the PDP because of the stand of these two inconsequential people on Niger Delta issue and Biafra?
Those two inconsequential people must have offended you so badly.

On the contrary, I am never offended by insignificants.

But the fellow whom I addressed earlier never knew how irrelevant both of Y'all, your opinions and feelings are. And that's where I come in, to disabuse his mind before he embarks on a wrong journey using his misconception of your irrelevance as an excuse for straying away.

Goodboiyy:
@Bolded in as much as am avoiding thread like this, I think its unfair saying there is nothing like SOuth South. and am sad about that.

Need I remind you that the said southerners ain't complaining about the name ?.. Just accept us for who we are.. We are South. southerners and that what we choose to refer to a particular group of people..

have a good night Rest … bye

You are Itshekiri, and I love and appreciate you as an itshekiri man. I have met a few of your people who ate and drank with me and I see how simply they mingle.


But there ain't nobody called South South, my friend. Have a wonderful sleep!