OUR CULTURE AND TRADITION
The igbo people are found in southeastern Nigeria and have many interesting customs and traditions.They are one of the biggest and most influential tribes. Igbos are well-known for their entrepreneurial endeavors, both within Nigeria and around the world.
In Nigeria, Igbo inhabit an area referred to as igboland which is divided into two section along the lower river Niger. They live in most or all parts of five states; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo state, as well as communities are also found in the parts of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
GOVERNANCE
The igbo political system differs significantly from most of its west African neighbors, with exception of a few major igbo communities which have an Obi (king), igbo have a traditional republican system of government, which is a consultative assembly of people, which guarantees equality to citizens. This system is a departure from the usual form of government with a ruling king over his subjects. Even though there are tittle holders who are respected by their achievements.They are never revered as king.
OCCUPATION
Traditionally, igbo were mostly farmers, craftsmen and traders .
FOOD
The igbo people’s most important crop is the Yam and it is the reason for the new Yam festival (Iri Ji) celebrating the harvest of the new Yams. The Yam is also a significant part of a traditional diet and is prepared as pounded yam, eaten with different soups or eaten immediately after boiled. Igbos are well-known for their variety of soups;made from locally grown vegetables,fruits and seeds.The most popular igbo soups are Oha, nsala, akwu, okazi and ofe owerri.
RELIGION
The Igbo people have traditional religious beliefs that there is one creator called ‘’Chukwu or ‘’Chineke’’. The creator can be approached through many other deities and spirits in the form of natural objects,mostly commonly through the gods of thunder called ‘’Amadioha’’, others gods include ‘’Ala’’ the feminine earth spirit, ‘’Anyanwu’’ (meaning eye of the sun) a deity believed to dwell on the sun and ‘’Idemili’’ the water goddess whose symbol is that of a python. After Nigeria was colonized most Igbos (more than 90%)became christians, which is still the predominant religion today.
MARRIAGE
In Igbo culture, a marriage is contracted by the man asking the woman’s hand from her father,which is the first stage called ‘’Iku aka’’(to knock at the door). The second stage and second visit involve the presence of the extended family where they must also give their consent. The groom will pay a third visit to pay bride price and collect from his future in-laws the lists of items he will bring to the woman’s family for the wedding. The fourth and final stage is the wedding itself,called ‘’igba nkwu’’ where the bride will come out to look for her groom (who will hide in the crowd) and offer him a cup of palm wine.The couple is then blessed by the family and well-wishers and celebrations begin.
