Stakeholders harp on self-identity as Anambra communities showcase uniqueness
Anaocha indigenes in Lagos and lov­ers of culture were recently treated to a feast of Igbo culture at a gath­ering that also featured various competitions in Igbo language. The event was the maiden edition of the Association of Indigenes of Anaocha Local Government, Lagos, Cultural Day and launch of their Igbo Language Development Centre.
Traditional rulers and eminent individuals of Anaocha origin, friends and well-wishers as well as in-laws graced the event, which took place at the mini stadium, Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
President of the association, Mr. Ileme Chukwulonyere Martin, in his opening address, gave the historical background of the association. He traced it to 1998 when Chief Ifenna Ikegwuonu was the Anaocha Local Government chairman.
He pointed out that the association was then known as Anaocha Welfare Association (AWA) and was convened by Mr. Ezeife Joseph from Adazi-Enu, alongside others, adding that it was officially inaugurated in 2003 by the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. It later changed its name to what it is today after it was registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in Abuja.
The association’s boss noted that the cultural feast offered opportunity for indigenes to identify with one another and to showcase one another’s culture so that children from the area, who were born in the city of Lagos, would know where they came from.
He said: “You will agree with me that some of our children couldn’t tell their local government of origin, not to talk of how many towns are in the local government. I believe that the event will open a new vista in the lives of our children, as it will enable them to trace their origin and history.”
He decried the decline in the use of Igbo language by Anaocha children born in Lagos, which he said informed the event. “Our children only travel to the village during Christmas or burial times. This does not give them the opportunity to witness various cultural activities of their people. Even when they travel, their movements are restricted.
“Parents sometimes instill fear in them that the village is full of wicked people, who could poison them, thereby scaring them from developing interest in traveling home,” Martin said.
Commenting, Chairman on the occasion and chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, said: “Igbo language and culture will never die. The language, particularly, is the preserve of the Igbo. God bequeathed it to us. It is the only language best understood and spoken by the Igbo in the South-east part of the country.”
Umeh noted that other languages were learnt but Igbo language was a gift from God, adding that “this is why every Igbo child who sucks their mother’s breasts understands their mother in Igbo language. And from there, they grow up to speak the language.”
The Anambra Central Senatorial aspirant observed that the cultures of other tribes were still useful to the Igbo but the Igbo must preserve theirs first. He said: “While Igbo language remains with the Igbo, we cannot go to other tribes and enact a law to force them to speak Igbo language. God has given every tribe a language with which they interact, run errands and defend themselves from strangers.”
He disclosed that it was important for the Igbo to use their Language to express themselves fluently and where necessary apply proverbs. ‘It is the oil with which words are eaten in Igboland.’
“When we interact with proverbs, we are protected from strangers who cannot decode discussions or use them against us. A stranger might be able to learn and understand Igbo language, but the proverbs might be difficult for him. It prevents strangers from understanding the import of the discussions,” he said.
He urged every Igbo to identify with unions created to promote Igbo language as well as Igbo folklores so as to ensure the unity of the people.
He said: “Whenever I travel to Europe and hear someone greet in Igbo language, it quickly turns me on, because I know that person is my brother. And no matter the locality, language a uniting force of a people. It promotes brotherliness; so Ndigbo should learn to communicate with one another in their language.”
Umeh frowned at the high rate of which Igbo families give out their daughters in marriage in the city, warning that “any Igbo son or daughter who got married in the city would not be recognised in the village. One cannot give out his daughter in marriage without the involvement of his kindred. When there is a problem, it is the kindred that rally round and get it solved.”
On the socio-cultural attitude of the Igbo in governance, the Mma agha Ndigbo (The Battle Axe) said: “To govern the Igbo is not an easy task. This is not peculiar to them alone. It is the same with other tribes. But as God made the Igbo, they are not the type to be governed with force.
“Anyone who wants to govern the Igbo must be kind hearted and soft spoken. The leader must live by example. He must also speak in the language the people would understand.
“An Igboman loathes stealing, bribery and corruption, double speaking, and double standard. Any leader who wants to govern them with such vices would not get their attention but when one shows commitment and inclination to point a clear path with a view to carrying them along would always get their cooperation. It is a culture that has been internalised among the Igbo”.
He praised the Igbo, as people who “have a culture of integrity and hard work and they are widely traveled too. Everywhere one turns, there is an Igbo who is working hard to develop the area and his country home.”
He charged wealthy Igbo people to ensure that their villages and kindreds were not neglected while they lived in opulence in the city. “While you make progress, it is important to remember your brothers, in-laws, kindreds and ancestral homes. It is not right for Igbo wealth to remain in foreign land. The danger there is that in the days of misfortune, one might be turned back like a dead chicken.”

Igbo language, culture extolled