₦airaland Forum

podosci:
Ironsi ( Igbo man ), was the first to centralize the Govt from regional to central....marginalization started with him

podosci:
Ironsi ( Igbo man ), was the first to centralize the Govt from regional to central....marginalization started with him

Ymodulus:
www.nairaland.com/attachments/2553546_s50624135052001_jpeg2cee537bd1672dd3e13e36d8d1b6b990

podosci:
At that time it disadvantaged the northern and western region....Both regions we're the revenue generators of Nigeria at that time...Google can cure your ignorance

podosci:
At that time it disadvantaged the northern and western region....Both regions we're the revenue generators of Nigeria at that time...Google can cure your ignorance

NAIJASOM:
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. Show ever, 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?

[b]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.


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.

menabadoo:
you are yet to give me a reason why I would want to leave Igbo speaking people and make a country with esan or Bini ( I don't even understand the language)people. What do we have in common with edo people, we don't share anything with you, so why dictating for us?

Edo is culturally closer to the Yoruba's, in fact, I see Edo's and esans as Yorubas.

podosci:
Fool, I have repeatedly adviced you to use Google to cure your ignorance.. when was oil discovered in Nigeria? And when did we start exporting it in commercial quantities ?
Mumu

noah91:
I think everybody has d right 2 self determination n there r measures 2 b taken 2 seceed not just mouth making. If d yorubas had wanted 2 seceed, they would hv cos they'r great thinkers n strategists.They wont hv 2 use a gun 2 suceed.They r so ahead

podosci:
When did Nigeria start producing oil in commercial quantity? You have answered when we discovered the oil, now find out when we start producing in commercial quantity.....
And I didn't say Ironsi marginalized anybody, I said he started the process that led to the marginalization of others by centralizing the govt.

IGBOSON1:
^^^Your idiocy gets worse by the minute! Oyel was discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri in 1956....a good decade before the 1966 coup!

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAAahUKEwjGqb3VqZXHAhXEfHIKHQZ9Dsg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FOloibiri&ei=fMfDVcb7LcT5yQOG-rnADA&usg=AFQjCNF6i_gDmVgdgD7u60cdpjcfOT3pMg

You want to tell me nobody knew of the black-gold that lay beneath the soil and waters of the Eastern Region at the time, yet less than a year after Ironsi was murdered in cold blood Gowon and his sidekick Awo knew exactly where and where the black-gold lay in the Eastern Region to be able to surgically slice out the 'juicy' parts and place in Rivers state!?

Just take a look at the active oil wells/fields in the area today and you can almost trace the boundary between Rivers and Abia/Imo just by looking at the cluster of wells/fields on the map! And you want to sit there and posit that Ironsi enacted the unification decree to marginalize the Northern and Western Regions?

You're a pathetic liar!

coolscott:
[s][/s]
The willful embrace of self-delusion that earns you further disrespect from people you clearly need but whose aid, sympathy and support you ill-advisedly want to gain by disrespecting them.

Perhaps, in your culture, the more you disrespect others the further you get into their graces

So Brass, ogoni, Bonny, eket etc are at the boundaries of IMO and abia eh?

The more I hear Igbos talk, the more I know they are and will remain the most minor tribe in terms of integrity for a very long time

coolscott:
[s][/s]
The willful embrace of self-delusion that earns you further disrespect from people you clearly need but whose aid, sympathy and support you ill-advisedly want to gain by disrespecting them.

Perhaps, in your culture, the more you disrespect others the further you get into their graces

So Brass, ogoni, Bonny, eket etc are at the boundaries of IMO and abia eh?

The more I hear Igbos talk, the more I know they are and will remain the most minor tribe in terms of integrity for a very long time

bingala:
Warning To Our Igbo Brothers In Asaba, Anioma,
Ogwashi Ukwu Nd Others… Beware!
I am writing this message of Love specifically to
our brothers in Agbor, Anioma, Onicha Ugbo,
Ogwashi Ukwu, Asaba and others. Please beware
that a hermaphrodite who has gender identity
and goes by the name of NgeneUkwenu and his
partner Shachris are spreading lies on Nairaland
and the internet. With particular reference to this
thread created by this criminal called
NgeneUkwenu ;
Let me categorically tell you people as you all
know by now that there is nothing like Delta
Igbo, Anambra Igbo, Abia Igbo, Ebonyi Igbo,
Enugu Igbo or Imo Igbo. There is nothing even
like Rivers Igbo. IGBO IS IGBO ANYTIME,
ANYDAY!


de fool yourself. this is just like saying we are all humans, no difference. ordinary Ibo families can't see eye to eye


Biafraland encompasses everything
Igbo and our brothers in the struggle viz a viz
the Ibibios, Anangs, Efik, Ijaw and probably
Urhobo and others.


de really fool yourself


Of worthy note, there has been a proliferation of
threads on anything Igbo. Igbo this and Igbo
that. If you people are observant, you will notice
that most threads being created on Nairaland in
“apparent sympathy” to the Igbos are being
created by known Igbo and our Niger delta
brother haters.
in response to anti non igbo attacks

Example is this one created by
this Igbo and Niger Delta hater; shachris ;
Let us categorically also tell them that we are
not interested in their sympathy.

yep you are. always whining like you are now


We don’t need
anything from them.

yes you do if not you would not be making a nuisance of yourselves in other people's domains


The Igbo nation is too big

actually very tiny compared to other regions


to
be marginalized

scoff


or made to look like a minor
tribe. We are after a land of equity, truth, love
and justice.

that's not what nollywood or caste system discrimination


A land where every thing will be on
merit.
where first born poor wait for dia Papa to die so they can spend dia moni and family members parasite on dead brother and pursue te wife

A land where there will be nothing like
quota or tribalism. A land where the cut of mark
in university entrance examination will be equal
in every part of the nation. It is not a land where
the North will be given 70% cut off mark in jamb
while the East and West are given 250%!
We are always annoyed when people who are
not Biafrans or from biafraland create threads on
Nairaland and say stuffs like “My Igbo brothers”.
this attitude right here is why nobody wants to play with yo assess


We are not brothers if you are not of the Biafran
nation or on the Biafran map.
There is nothing that makes us brothers with the
Hausa/Fulanis or the Yorubas. The Yorubas eat
Ewedu and Amala.

so do lots of igbos


We eat Ofe Onugbu and
Akpu.

so do many words and Hausa


The Hausas drink Fura Di Nunu… (Blood
from an animal)….

so do many igbo


While we drink Nkwu Ocha or
Nkwu Enu (Palm Wine). The Hausas cum
Yorubas worship Allah and follow the teachings
of Mohammed.

adeboye or oyedepo nko,now I know you're Just messing around


We on the other hand worship
God (Chukwu Okike) and follow the teachings of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We were baptized,
sanctified and bought over by the blood of
Jesus. We were not born Muslims. We remain
full blooded Igbo till we die! We remain
Christians or Traditionalists till we die. When
the Hausas/Fulanis die, they head to paradise.
what about father kukah or Bishop kaigama


We on the other hand head to Heaven to see
Jesus and our ancestors.

not with this attitude


The bad ones among
you see Shaytan while the bad ones among us
see Ekwensu!
Politically, the Yorubas are known to have
traditional leaders whom they are alway
subservient to.

so much ignorance being displayed right here


The Hausa/Pulanis are always
known to have emirates and stuffs like that.
IGBBO LAND ON THE OTHER HAND IS A LAND
OF THE FREE LIKE THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA.

confused and unorganised race, with zero leaders to help forge a collective vision


A LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES
FLOWING WITH MILK AND HONEY!


yet you all run to Lagos Abuja and ph


SAME GOES
TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN THE STRUGGLE….
IJAWS, ANANGS, IBIBIOS, EFIKS ETC!


see maximum massive confusion. no be you say you no get brother


ALL AM TRYING TO SAY IN ESSENCE IS THAT
EAST SIDERZ CUM SOUTH SIDERZ DON’T ROLL
WITH NORTH SIDERZ OR THE WEST SIDERZ. WE
ARE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT AND WE
SHALL REMAIN SO. NOTHING SHALL EVER
MAKE US REMAIN ONE. BIAFRA MUST STAND!
OF worthy mention, We congratulate president
Buhari on his appointment of an Igbo Son to
head the NNPC. KACHIKWU IS A FULL BLOODED
IGBO AND NOT DELTA IGBO AS BEING SPREAD
BY THE ENEMIES OF BIAFRA While we
congratulate Buhari, let it also be known to him
and Nigerians in General that we are not looking
for any compensation. We don’t need any
appointments.


yet you're harping on a delta igbo that is not your brother being made mnnpc chairman


We don’t even expect anything
from Nigeria and The Nigerian government. ALL
WE ASK FOR IS A REFERENDUM!


you already got a referendum and you choose to become refugees, every single day


While We still Congratulate Buhari on his mission
to Better Nigeria, we also call on the United
nations to give us a referendum. A referendum is
a we want. Simple!
We are not against Buhari making Nigeria better.
We even say more grease to his elbows.

now you're making....


The
only thing is that we are not in support of him
having any plans for Biafraland.

....aaand we're back to yo ' foolishnesss


We have God
given leaders and warriors who will lead us to
the promised land.


when one ran away and the others sold y'all into slavery, I wonder which leader or warrior you're talking about. OK you do have warriors but no leaders


We don’t need appointments,
compensations or emoluments. All we want is
Biafra.
BIAFRA TILL WE DIE!
BY : EXCEL
By James Anyalekwa Emeh on 5th August 2015 ·
Posted in News

Please beware that a hermaphrodite who has gender identity and goes by the name of NgeneUkwenu and his partner Shachris are spreading lies on Nairaland and the internet. With particular reference to this thread created by this criminal called NgeneUkwenu ;

lygn19:
Ogoni, Bonny and Eket do they share boundary with Kogi before?

coolscott:
[size=13pt]The current concept of an igbo nation is not refined at all because consciously or subconsciously, Igbos sadly find historical identity only in Biafra. This is because before the war, there is totally nothing they did together as a people. And this in turn is because before the colonialists, they were unable to make themselves into one political group.They therefore skew every position or narration concerning 1963 - 1970 for the sake of historical pride because besides it, they have nothing else they did historically together as a people.


The Igbo nation was not born before Biafra. Igbos did not know the geographical boudries of their ethnic group before colonialism.


Other ethnic groups are different because their ancient kingdoms existed before the white man. They formed themselves into formidable and full political bodies. They had their ancient conquests (and their ancient failings) so they do not needed to glorify or skew events of the 60s to paint themselves as heroes or as people that should be sympathized with for being treated unfairly.


Please understand that there was political structure on the clan (or group of clans) level only. That is why although there were sometimes clashes between Igbo clans and villges, there was never a time when all Igbos took up arms to fight any encroacher who tried to encroach into any Igbo vilage close to other ethnic groups.



That political structure just didn't exist. If villages in the northern area were fighting, Etche Igbos probably knew nothing about it. The Onitshas had a kingdom of their own, obviously influenced by the culture of politically organised kingdoms not far from them. This is just the reality of the historical political structure.


This total absence of a complete Igbo kingdom from time past to now is the source of this unspoken touchiness about their identity that Igbos feel and which they are usually not conciously aware of because a huge part of it is subconscious, or has been transferred from an older person to a younger person in the narration of ideas from the old to the young.

It is the cause of the self-haunting questions about identity, which plague the Igbo mind, leading to this inferiority complex where he intermittently blurts out fabrications of his mind about past Igbo glory


This touchiness shows up in behaviour others get puzzled by. Things like

1). venturing to culturally lay claim to towns/cities in other well know and established ancient kingdoms of other ethnic groups,

2). the persecution complex persona,

3). and even genuinely not being aware of the ridiculous spectacle they often make of themselves when they misbehave...

are all outward manifestations of this inner touchiness cum inferiority complex which they feel about history/identity/heritage as compared to that of others

And believe me, this plagues both the great and small in Igbo land. The educated an "uneducated"


If Igbos can form themselves into one well structured, traditional political body, there will be a different kind of soundness from a deep level, the depths of which perhaps cannot be surpassed.


Complete political wholeness and congruence from a deep traditional level is the only way to the modern day soundness that some other ethnic groups currently enjoy.



This will take completely restructuring the whole traditional governing system across the board, so that traditional authority flows from one stool to all the other stools in the Igbo nation, with in-built checks and balances. This will amount to creating/starting a traditional monarchy within and for all of the Igbo nation in this mordern day and time.



When I was younger, in my naiive enthusiasm, I thought this was possible. Now I am older I still indulge myself to a little fantasy and imagine it is.[/size]

coolscott:
A post I put up on a thread here months ago.
I have modified it a bit here

Observant:
Guy you dull sha or just outright mischievous.
So right now are they enjoying the oil?
When different people co exist in a country its only right they negotiate their co existence before there alliance.
You have been in Nigeria for over 100yrs, highly marginalized and the powers that be don't want a renegotiation. So I assume you are comfortable with the status of things with SS.?
This agitation for Biafra would have been put to sleep if the FG were to at least negotiate and implement the result of the national conference.

TopGee:
How can you read it because facts are tabled before you now and suddenly you claimed you didn't read it because you cannot dispute it? Tell us your tribe and notable people that have excelled for us to know them. Just ranting everywhere does not hold water. Igbos are struggling to compare themselves with Japan and you are bringing a lazy, backward and unknown tribe to compare with Igbos.

NAIJASOM:
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?

[b]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.


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.

podosci:
At that time it disadvantaged the northern and western region....Both regions we're the revenue generators of Nigeria at that time...Google can cure your ignorance

ALL AM TRYING TO SAY IN ESSENCE IS THAT EAST SIDERZ CUM SOUTH SIDERZ DON’T ROLL WITH NORTH SIDERZ OR THE WEST SIDERZ. WE ARE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT AND WE SHALL REMAIN SO. NOTHING SHALL EVER MAKE US REMAIN ONE. BIAFRA MUST STAND

Sheggy13:
All this talk of we're the best tribe is just sheer stupidity. There are industrious and lazy people in every tribe. Or are u proud of the news coming out of Asia almost monthly about some of your brothers being killed cos of drugs importation. Same way I'm not proud of news of some of my brothers involved in internet scam or ritual killings. Now you're talking of mentioning notable people in other tribes. I give to u that for any notable Igbo in any field, I'll give u a notable Yoruba also. So what's your point?

melzabull:
op God bless you!

It is common knowledge that schacris and ngeneukwenu aka cleverly aka urennaNkoli are two self-hating ba.stads. All the threads they have created on nairaland are anti-igbo.

That said, as an Igbo girl from Anioma, i don't see anything that makes me different from an Igbo person from Abia, Anambra, Ebony, Imo, Enugu or Rivers. The divide and rule tactics by the north aimed at alienating Igbos in the SE from Igbo in SS and to further emasculate the Igbo territory is nothing but pure, unadulterated evil which every reasonable Igbo man should kick against.


Any Igbo man from the skewed geographical SS that isn't proud of his Igbo heritage needs his or her head examined.


God bless proudly ndi Igbo in SE & SS
Abia
Anambra
Anioma
Ebonyi
Enugu
Imo
& Rivers

coolscott:
I now see that you should not be speaking (or paid serious attention to when an important discourse is going on)