By Our Correspondent
The foundation stone for the establishment of World Center for Igbo Repository has been laid at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The foundation- laying ceremony coincided with the launching of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe annual lecture series.
Igwe Achebe, who delivered the maiden lecture at the ASUU secretariat in UNIZIK, highlighted the need for urgent attention to four critical areas in Igbo history and culture.
According to His Majesty, a definitive determination of the origins and ancestral linkages between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo language groups is necessary for positioning in contemporary Nigeria.
The lecture, titled “Onitsha Traditional Society: Origin, Spread, Culture,” observed that the search of Igbo history as a necessary pedestal to anchor the history of Onitsha presented three alternative versions for Igbo origin.
He named the versions as Autochthony, the Internal Migration, and the External Migration hypotheses, adding that the two migration hypotheses mentioned the possibility that the Igbo, Yoruba and Edo language groups, and others, shared a common ancestral root prior to separating in different directions and developing different languages and dialects.
The Royal Father said there is need for building a closer relationship among descendants of Eze Chima, the central figure in the founding of Onitsha Ado N’Idu and a host of sister communities on both sides of the lower course of the River Niger and authenticating the folk histories of Umu Eze Chima.
“All of these communities affirm their descent from Eze Chima, but present degrees of variation in their legends of the great founder. Broadly, Eze Chima’s ancestors were either part of the Igbo migration out of lle-Ife that sojourned in Benin, or he was a direct descendant of Oba Eweka I and Oramiyan or he did not have any ancestral connection with Benin or Yoruba, but rather descended from the Nri civilization”, Igwe Achebe said.
“Exploring Onitsha culture and governance, including the traditional justice system, and the journey of transformation which he initiated in 2002, focusing on modern management and leadership principles, the Monarch emphasized the vital importance for the government to stop the continuing deterioration and decline of Onitsha and neighbouring areas.
“While the Onitsha indigenous community continues on its journey of transformation, it is urgent for the government to take urgent measures to address the decays in the greater Onitsha metropolis to restore its past glory as a leading industrial, commercial, educational, and cultural city in Nigeria”, Igwe Achebe said.
He recommended the establishment of a Greater Onitsha Development Authority for a holistic development of the ancient city.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the organizing committee, Professor Godwin Onu said the launching marks the beginning of a new era in the promotion of Igbo culture, traditions, and values.
Onu said: “The foundation of the Obi Achebe World Center for Igbo Repository is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the Igbo people. This center will serve as a vital resource, safeguarding and promoting the unique cultural heritage and traditions of the Igbo for future generations.
“It will include a digital and AI library, a hall of fame celebrating Igbo excellence, and a multifunctional space for academic and cultural events. The center sims to document all publications in the Igbo language, and showcase profiles of notable Igbo individuals for prosperity.
“Furthermore, it will act as a unique tourism hub, linking global Igbo communities and fostering cultural exchange that encapsulates the essence of Igbo identity.
“The initiative is also dedicated to reviving our forgotten history, exploring folk tales and examining the origins of the Igbo nation. It intends to highlight the traits distinguishing us as Igbo in various domains such as industry, education, governance, religion and culture.
“We will explore the presence of Igbos in regions such as Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kogi and Benue and celebrate our commonalities and uniqueness. The initiative will delve into the dynamics of our identity as Igbos, the artefacts we produce and our creative contributions across different spheres.”
He also explained that the annual lecture series named after Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe will be rotating, adding that next year’s lecture will delve into the Aros, including the long jujuand the history of Aroh Kingdom
