Ndigbo: Highly enterprising, populous set of people, says Dr. Anakwenze
By Uche Kalu
Ndigbo have been described as one of the most enterprising and populous set of people in Africa which boast a sizable percentage of the world population.
An internationally acclaimed physician and founder of the famous Anambra State Association in the United States of America (ASA-USA), Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze said this in a keynote lecture themed ''Culture: Catalyst for Igbo Unity, Collective Advancement and Global Resurgence'', he delivered during the NUJ 2023 Cultural Festival, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council in collaboration with Kasie Communications, a PR and Event company, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
Dr. Anakwenze, who is the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, asserted that Igbos originated from Israel with Gad as their progenitor, father of Eri and were forced into migration to Europe and other continents across the globe through slavery by the ancient colonial masters.
Onowu Anakwenze eiated that owing to the brilliance, bravery, indefatigability, perseverance and inventive nature of the Igbo race, the invading Portugese and British colonialists took special interest in the people during the slave trade era.
He also posited that Igbos have identical DNA with the Jews of Israel and dominate a large percentage of colour or black race in USA, Canada, the Caribbean and other continents in the world.
Dwelling extensively on the subject matter, the medical guru, who is also the current Chairman, Board of Presidents of Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA), an umbrella body of Igbo states in America, said most of the out-standing professional experts in those parts of the world had their roots in Igboland, pointing out that several DNA tests and researches conducted over the years attested to the reality of their linkage to the Igbo race.
High Chief Anakwenze further noted that the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Ndigbo enabled them to survive the three years’ hostilities exerted on them during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), as well as the massive post war attainments in various spheres of human endeavour and unquantifiable contributions to the commercial, educational and industrial advancement of the country.
The guest lecturer noted that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Owelle of Onitsha) was at the forefront of political liberation of African continent from colonialism, while most prominent authors from the country hailed from Igboland, including late Flora Nwapa, Professor Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Mokwugo Okoye, and the rave of the moment in literature, Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie, among others.
To buttress his points, Onowu Anakwenze said that most shakers and movers of the society in the areas of science and technology in Africa are Igbos with huge investments across the nation and The Diaspora, in addition to their noticeable impacts in the creative industry, music and sports.
The renowned medical expert also fielded questions from journalists and some guests on the occasion, and emphasised that he initiated the mobilisation and unification of Igbo people in the universe through the formation of ASA-USA, later replicated in other continents throughout the globe for sustained promotion of Igbo language, culture and tradition, thereby showcasing the rich value system and enviable historical heritage of the people.
According to Onowu Anakwenze, he was inspired to establish the ASA-USA and ASA-Worldwide to galvanise the unity, peace, welfare, brotherhood, teamwork and think-home ideology among Ndigbo in The Diaspora, just as he beat his chest that these lofty objectives were highly realistically lucrative, in view of the influx of foreign direct investments into the state by Diaspora Ndi Igbo.
In his remark, the Commissioner for Culture and Entertainment, Mr. Don Onyenji, reassured the commitment of Gov. Soludo’s administration toward promoting Igbo tradition and culture.
Onyenji who represented the state governor at the occasion, commended the state NUJ and Kasie Communications for organising the event to reawaken the consciousness of Ndigbo toward upholding and reviving their rich culture and traditions which he described as best across the globe.
According to him, the state government is committed to promoting and showcasing Igbo tradition and culture to the world through the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Pharm Victor Okeke Mgbajiaka, in his opening remarks, lauded the initiative of NUJ Anambra State Council and Kasie Communications to package the cultural fiesta, and urge Ndi IIgbo to embrace and harmonise their culture as a way of promoting the unity, welfare and progress of the people.
In their contributions, the NUJ State Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu (PhD), noted that the event was meant to reawaken the consciousness of Ndi Igbo to support the fight for improved culture and tradition of Igbo people, while Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna emphasised that, ‘’Whenever you celebrate culture, where ever you do it, it's a unifying force and reminds you of who you are, once you are doing the authentic Igbo culture, no matter where you live".
In her welcome address, Chairman of the organising Committee, kasie Abone, said that Igbos are endowed with rich culture and are acclaimed as hardworking, very enterprising and enjoy the fruits of their labour, and are not known for begging because Igbo males are known to take full responsibility of their families.
She regretted that people who do not understand the lifestyle of an average Igbo man misconstrue these virtues as pride or arrogance.
Abone, who is also the CEO of Kasie Communications advised Igbo youths to go back to their age old values of hard work, integrity, honesty, empathy and righteousness, the hallmark of their forebears and refrain from criminal acts and get rich quick syndrome which has bedevilled todays youths.
Major highlights of the event presided over by Pharm. Okeke, Mgbajiaka as chairman of the occasion, included presentation of “The Watch Dog” magazine’s latest edition, cutting of anniversary cake by Igwe Innocent Elochukwu Obodoakor of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area and Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary and 25th years on the throne respectively.
Masquerade troupes from Umuawulu, Agulu and Abagana, thrilled the galaxy audience.
*Uche is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
One more photo below.
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