Amidst the funny and repurgnant history associated with the Igbos, one would hardly believe that these set of people are impossible with how much they make things happen.
Existing in the South-East of Nigeria, spread across Imo, Enugu, Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states, history has it that they were the least that accepted civilisation, and lived in clans within their small communities, obviously comfortable with what they knew, and were hesitant to learn something new.
Talking about the culture of these people, it is totally extraordinary with some of its core simply termed as "ridiculous". The rites of marriage, the 'mini' ritual carried out before the breaking of kolanut in any gathering; the child naming rites, among a host of other core traditional values cherished by these special people.
Naturally, one would marvel at the fact that the Igbo people can actually go to the desert and create a fountain of water for survival. This clearly explains that everything is possible with the average Igbo man. Widely known for his business acumen and his excessive crave for wealth, the Igbo people are found on any part of the earth, and if possible beyond as they continue to expand their businesses.
Sadly, a number of vices can be attributed to the average Igbo man. Greedy, stingy, desperate and practically impossible. A quick peek on the aforementioned reveals quite a handful of truth. His nature makes him want to acquire anything within reach at the expense of anything. The large number of money ritualists, fake drugs importers and pirates in the South-East further buttresses this assertion.
Another nugget that these folks obviously lack is 'Unity'. The fact that the average Igbo man wants to be more successful and revered than the other explains that he doesn't want to unite with his compatriot. This fact has naturally shown that they can hardly hold a spot in governance, or even succeed in their quest for fighting for any course. Progress is hardly evident where Igbos are dominant, from Churches, Communities and even smaller groups.
An average Igbo man is too forward. He obviously feels he knows too much and clearly doesn't need to learn anything from anyone else. Far from this negativities, these folks have choice tastes when it comes to personal hygiene, food and even dressing. They have varieties of food, from abacha, ugba, nkwobi, oha, achara, apku, ukwa, achi, among others to choose from. Their level of cleanliness and strong value for hygiene is enviable.
Although, these "Omo Nna" and "Nyamiri" as they are fondly called by the Westerners and Northerners respectively, have no strong value for education per se. This strong value and energy is largely channeled towards delving into business, as it is a quick means of making money. They do all kinds of businesses and succeed a great deal no matter how petty the business is. Most of the biggest provision, Medicine, Spare Parts and Foodstuff stores in the country are owned by illiterate Igbo traders, who have made a fortune from such businesses.
Many may not necessarily subscribe to this assertion, but if you have lived among these folks and haven't observed any of the aforementioned; or you think any of the points have been exaggerated, identify it and draw an argument. As much as I love the South-East, most of its people and their dispositions are an "Extraordinary Dogma" and one to be wary of.
By Jeffrey Oparah
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