₦airaland Forum

@viviebabe, everything u posted there is 100% correct. I never doubt our biligual. We speak igala and igbo languages but mainly igala. My concern is vigorous extintion of our igala language,the reason why its dying away and also the solution to revive it back. My father is one of biafra soldiers. He told that Nzam is a base of biafran army controlling niger region of biafra. He also tell us that due to inability of nigeria soldier to takeover Nzam(with several failed attempt)and also hunger and famine all over Igboland leads to influx of many igbos into Nzam pending the duration of the civil war. My concern is the possibility of our igala language dying away. Becos that is our heritage and we need to preserve the language forever.

Deltagiant:
This is not an excuse to treat anyone badly. But here we are talking about one million people and 300 villages being neglected to the extent that their kids and women are not even entitled to immunization, denied official recognition by Benue/Northern Nigerian government since 100 years in their own very ancestral land. And some few thousand over fed folks out there at Nzam are complaining that their language is not being broadcast enough on Anambra stations. Is that not annoying?

OKPO! EWU! How many time will i tell u that we are full indigene of anambra! I bu mkpaaa!(ewu). You are delta not anambra so leave anambra for us pls!.

Habakus:
Brother,if you don't understand someone's statement,you should ask for clarification instead of resorting to insults. Why do you think I placed "host" in quotes in my post?
Answer these questions to yourself:
Are you an Anambarian? Or are you an Igalan or Kogite living in Anambra state?
These are pertinent questions that will begin to address your issues here.
Otherwise,it will seem you're confused about what you actually want and your indegeneship.
Another thing: I hope you know your opinion on this whole issue might not represent that of the majority of Igalans in Anambra state. A lot of them might just be happy with the status quo and would only ask for more developments from the state. While others would want to be ceded to Kogi state.
The question again: who are you and what do you want?

What concern kogi here? Am not kogi dont know anything about kogi.

elklehamite:
Please, the I galas in Anambra should go & align themselves with their ancestral brothers, they should always try to identify themselves with their brothers in Kogi state despite their geopolitical location so that with time they can be brought back home. There could be state creation or boundary adjustment that can bring them in union with their ancestral brothers where they will be no discrimination/marginalization against them in future. That can be fought together in agreement. You stand to gain a lot when you are back home so that with the Anambrarians will not be taking advantage of you. This is 'my candid advise to you &you will not regret it if heeded to it.

How do u even reason? Tell person to go back to his home when he is in his home. Atturu!

PHIPEX:
OP, I identify with you, infact we are from same LG even though am 100% Igbo. But you should also agree that the state has recognised your area by citing Anambra West LG HQ in your town when it was created in 1996 even though it is smaller than most other Anam towns. This is highly unlike the domineering posture of the Nigerian state. You will agree the state has embraced you as one of us. Though I wish you success in your pursuit but I think this energy should be directed towards seeking more of infrastructural development in your town especially the federal road connecting you to Otuocha through Anam which has been under construction since when I was born.

Do u know Nzam or are just being bias. Thanks for your i still believe that Our able governor, Mr willie Obiano who have promise us better infrastural development will fulfill his promise.

pazienza:
Thank you. The Odekpe claim is quite funny, considering that my maternal family have in laws in Odekpe and as a matter of fact, they ran to Odekpe when the civil war engulfed their part of Idemili. Odekpe is an Igbo town with no iota of Igalla. Infact, i would have to research on some of the other towns there that he is claiming as Igalla towns, if he could lie about Odekpe,nothing is beyond him.

i know odekpe in ogbaru l.g.a is not that one. We have odekpe in anambra west.

pazienza:
Bigger as in landmass or population?

BOTH

Habakus:
@JonBee1, I don't know what you intend to achieve by trying to foment problems between the Igbos and the Igalas.
Since you started commenting on this thread,you've not spared even one single polite word for the Igbos who totally don't have any problems with the Igalans who have being living with them for years.
Why do you feel so threatened?
What do you have at stake in this whole issue?
Are you even an Igbo or Igalan?
If the Igala people living in Anambra state want their language to be recognized within the state,then it is up to them to champion their cause in a right way; not by having problems with their "host" community.
For the records,as some of the posters here have already said,the Igbo people don't discriminate. They practice "live and let live". If you feel you're up to the non-indestructible and indefatigable spirit of the Igbos,then you're very welcome to live and integrate amongst them without any single problem. The state government of Anambra state does not in any way intentionally seek to marginalize any body/ tribe living within the state.
In politics,population and influence is a major dictating factor. If you have the number,and you're organized,then you have a stake. Simple.
The oil that a lot of people fight and kill for would still be there even after many of them must have gone.

Guy i dont know the type sense u have. WE ARE NOT LIVING IN ANAMBRA, WE ARE FULL INDIGENE OF ANAMBRA JUST LIKE THE IGBOS WHO ARE FULL INDIGENE TOO. ANAMBRA IS NOT OUR HOST COMMUNITY INSTEAD WE HOST PEOPLE FROM OTHER STATE COMING IN ANAMBRA. This exactly what we are fighting for.

mumuguyman:
and u lied again, can you stop it!!!

Everything i say hear is 100% truth and fact base on reality.

mumuguyman:
My brother, imagine... Nzam as a matter of fact is d smallest town in Anambra west. Oroma-Etiti, Umuem, Mmiata, Umueze Anam, Umuikwu, Umudora and Umuoba is far bigger than Nzam... So what is your point? I like your update anyways but don't lie about the size/population of ur town

How can u said this have u been to Nzam before? Combine togather they are bigger than Nzam but individualy Nzam is double far bigger than each of them. Just say the truth stop claiming.

Kruzilano:
pls clarify me on sometin.. is igala a community in kogi or a coomunity in anambra? If they shld list out all communities in anambra, will dey b among?

We are in anambra not in kogi.

newreality:
pls. for the sake of clearification without bias/sentiment. is the igala language spoken in kogi state the same as that your people speak in anambra? because i have kogi igalas as friends but non of them know the meaning of " keyi dee" pls, enlighten me. thanks

Yea is not 100% the same is about 80% the same.

Deltagiant:
I’ve read most of the comments here including yours. I could only but deduce that most of the commentators have little or no knowledge of the Igbo Igala historical tangle. One ancient Igbo adage says that “Egbusigodu Igbo nine, Igbo afodukwa n’Igala” Meaning even if all the Igbos were wiped out, Igbo will still remain in Igala”

Therefore, when I read your comment I laughed because I view you as someone having a very faint knowledge of the Igala/igbo history as it relates to the Omanbala region. This is because it is almost impossible to draw a line of distinction in a Anambra and Enugu states on where Igala or Igbo blood line begins and ends. Parts of the western Igbo territories of Anioma to half of the total local governments in Anamabra and Enugu states are of Igbo and Igala descent. Onitsha, Atani, Dunukofia, Aguleri, Nteje, Nri, Igbariam and most parts of Ogbaru have traces of Igala. The village of Umubele in Awka town also etc.

In Enugu, the Nike people, Enugu Ezike and parts of the state trace their origin partially or wholly to Igala. Most importantly, these communities always assert their Igala links when it matters. Igala and Igbo have a very long history of almost ancestry but which was disencouraged when Islam creeped into Igalaland and when Aliyu Obaje converted to Islam and became their king. He died two years ago but fortunately for them he was replaced with a Christian monarch Michael Ameh Oboni who is now trying very hard to rekindle the lost relationship with Ndigbo.
Therefore, If we have to descend to surgical identification of marginalization, the OP should then shut his mouth up because people of Igala blood line are well represented in Anamabra state.
Even now, the Secretary to Anamabra government, Mr, Oseloka OBAZE from Ogbaru is of Igala blood line. Former Aviation minister Stella Adaeze ODUAH is of Igala blood line. We can as well say that the current governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano is partially Igala because his town of Aguleri is partially of Igala origin. The village of Odeke in Aguleri has its replica in Ibaji Igala and today they speak Igala. So Mr; OP where do you end this line that you have ignorantly started to draw. My town in Anambra has no Igala connection. So, who is marginalizing who now?

I'm yet to ascertain the veracity of your claims that Igala language is not aired sufficiently, if that is true it is condemnable. But however, your encounter with the said Igala man at onitsha and your comments about him, has equally put you at the same pedestal with those you are accusing. You should have had no qualms with a fellow state citizen who expressed himself in the language he's comfortable with. Please, bury this petty bullshit!

U dont understand me, i mean that they are now dropping our language becos its not being promoted.

Kruzilano:
is it d work of th anambra state gov to hlp keep ur language? First, wat are u guys doing in anambra state? Kano is a northern state with igbos occupying the largest LGA, but the media over dia do not even recognise our language(igbo). U are questioning someone in his home why isn't he recognising ur lang. I laff u in igaala

I laugh at your ignorancy. So i should not be recognise in my fatherland? We are not perching in anambra , we full blooded indigene of anambra just like the igbos in anambra too.

ACM10:
Why are you contradicting yourself? In a twinkle of an eye, you have recognised that ABS Onitsha broadcasts some news contents in Igala. Now you want ABS Awka to follow suit even when Igala communities does not receive their signal. Please find something else to say.

How do u know that we dont recieve abs awka signal?

rhymz:
Chineke!!!! Pius Omachonu is the name of my class mate in St Finbarrs College..... I did not know the boy was igala (not that I knew anything about igala minorities in Anambra then) but the guy obviously flowed more with Igbo and Calabar and a South South guys than any other tribe...... Wow..... It is possible the igwe is his uncle.

I say we speak igbo fluently

Gucciboss:
@bencobenz. You must have served there in 2000 not presently. Even the OP did not complain about infrastructural neglect but language. Stop painting an old picture of the place. There was a time when there was no road anywhwere in Anambra state but not presently. Alot did change under PETER OBI. Now get back to the same bus and confirm for yourself.

Now hear it now, wat bencobenz said is 100% true.

Emyogalanya:
Come o which odekpe are you talking about i hope not the one i come from in ogbaru cos no igala in my villa na because we allow you to come at our festival cos ur ppl say you have our kind of masquerade that has not been verified

No not the one in ogbaru

ALKARULEZ615:
I just taya o...

Igala pple just dey kari dey spread

...I even hear say Igala pple (Oshoimili LGA) dey ma beloved state (DELTA)

Ebu and oloshi speaks igala and they are in oshoimili north.

HisMajesty1:
@ OP which of the communities are you from?

Am from Nzam

Amadaz:
my friend, you're in igbo land not igalla land!

No am in my fatherland not igboland.

tabletman1:
I have once visited Nzam but I don't know there are other igala communities in anambra, Nzam is big actually but its just empty land with lesser population.
Bro, if u want your language to be recognize, then start creating awareness from your village, your people should form a town union in which one every city outside Nzam you found yourselves. There are a lot to do before government will help out.
You know that in Otu-ocha they don't discriminate if you come from igbo stock or from igala stock.
So don't ever think that anambra state government is the one behind your predicament, you people have a role to play.



Btw, there is no longer crisis between aguleri and odeke cos orient has resume work at aguleri oil field.
I came back from otuocha yesterday.

Since you're from that side you can confirm as well.

Thanks for understanding, I have never get any discrimination from any part in Igboland. But what am saying is that our young one now prefer speaking igbo language to Igala language and i also give my illustration in my former post. The reason why its so is that our language is not being promoted to people in anambra. That is why i blame the government media companies for not creating igala programmes in their stations. Creating igala programme will help tell the people to know that igala exist in anambra. Also appointing igala indigene as commissioner will also help too. How about federal character principle- equity and fairness. Lets leave orient and oil for now but if u went to Otuocha you are still far from aguleri otu where the oil is located. Just go and confirm by yourself.

tabletman1:
I know you know everywhere in anambra but you people(igala) are not upto 5% population.

Anambra has 178 communities, and igala communities has lesser population even your so called Nzam is a big farmland.

You people ran to Otu-nkwo to buy even razor blade
You are clamoring for equal right and for special quota to be given to your community which is unusual.
We have many clan in Anambra but when it comes to politics, we don't do clans and zones.
We always allow the best man to win the game, so if you think your people are capable, go and organize them for a better tomorrow to contest for various political positions especially for senatorial position. Then you can prove to the whole world that you hold the population in anambra west.




And btw you people only have about 60% oil deposit at anambra and not 98% because places like aguleri, Omor and Anam has their own oil field.


I know that you will be more accepted in places like aguleri, anam anaku, ifite ogwari but it has nothing to do with our discussion.

If you really understand my post u will not be saying this. Am not fighting for equality but for our language to be recognise. If u visit our area i bet u, u will give us 10% of population. The reason why i use 98% is becos this is only place where oil was discovered for now. If later discover in other area then the % will reduce. The one at Aguleri is creating a dispute between them and their neighbouring villages.

christopher123:
This guy should go back to kogi and leave anambra for us.its unfortunate anambra are no push over.

They are just pseudo igbos

keep on showing your ignorant

tabletman1:
Ok, but u don't talk like a person who knows everywhere in anambra.

What are you saying now, how do u want me to talk?

Pavore9:
OP, l suggest folks of lgala descent in the state to independently produce radio programs which highlights who they are, issues affecting them and push it to the radio stations, it will be a good starting point. l know it does not cost much.

Thanks for that.

Lavidah:
Sometime last year, I was very surprised the day I saw a document belonging to a collegue of mine, who I hitherto knew to be an Igala person by tribe having Anambra boldly written as his state of origin (did enough research afterwards, just to satiate my curiosity). His surname is Omojah and I also discovered just recently that he speaks a bit of Igbo, say 40%, but understands much more... So seeing this thread has added to my existing knowledge of Igalas in Anambra. For me, its an amazing reality!

thanks for your understanding

tabletman1:
I don't even know my senatorial district but I am from Nnewi south LGA [/qoute] I know you must come from either Imo or Abia[/qoute] you people are far too small to exceed 2%, have u been to normal anambra community during xmas? Have u even been to aguleri(otucha) your neighboring community during xmas and see the much population there? Orient are also doing their thing at aguleri, so don't make it seem like if they are drilling only the oil at nzam.

Do u think u know anywhere in Anambra more than me. This is my state and i know everywhere even that you state imo or abia. Let me tell u , Aguleri people will even accept me as their brother more than u who is talking out of ignorant now. There are many Aguleris in Nzam and there are many Nzams in Aguleri. You need to educate yourself and stop displaying your ignorancy. Am not saying that we should be equal with igbos but atleast be recognise.

tabletman1:
I don't even know my senatorial district but I am from Nnewi south LGA [/qoute] I know you must come from either Imo or Abia[/qoute] you people are far too small to exceed 2%, have u been to normal anambra community during xmas? Have u even been to aguleri(otucha) your neighboring community during xmas and see the much population there? Orient are also doing their thing at aguleri, so don't make it seem like if they are drilling only the oil at nzam.

Do u think u know anywhere in Anambra more than me. This is my state and i know everywhere in Anambra even that you state imo or abia

christopher123:
You are an ingrate

You should be contented Ob your tenancy in anambra and just assimilate to the mainstream culture

To you realise that Igbo is in Benue and they ate fighting yo go back to their brothers in Enugu


You have two options

Yi assimilate
Or cross the river back to igalla


But don't worry Igbo and igalla have historic relationship

Cross which river? Ignorant is disease

tabletman1:
Op.
Igala communities made up only 2% of anambra population and not 5%.
You are clamoring for a quota in government house whereas you people(igalas in nzam) are clamoring to join your brothers in kogi state.

Have u not asked yourself why the government refuse to explore the oil at Nzam ? Its because you people will still cry to join kogi state even if we build a new city for your igala brothers.

And I don't know what you mean that Nzam is the biggest town in Anambra west.
Care to explain?

I will like to know your state, if anambra which senatorial district

tabletman1:
Op.
Igala communities made up only 2% of anambra population and not 5%.
You are clamoring for a quota in government house whereas you people(igalas in nzam) are clamoring to join your brothers in kogi state.

Have u not asked yourself why the government refuse to explore the oil at Nzam ? Its because you people will still cry to join kogi state even if we build a new city for your igala brothers.

And I don't know what you mean that Nzam is the biggest town in Anambra west.
Care to explain?

They normal use 2% but we exceed that, we are about 5%+. Nzam is not the only town that speaks Igala in Anambra, i mention many towns in my previous post. I say Nzam is largest town in anambra west l.g.a not in anambra state. I think u are lying, no Nzam person will ever clamor to join kogi instead will fight for our own state becos oil we get it in aboundant. Orient company are here in Nzam more than any other place.