The identity of the Igbo people is deeply intertwined with our ancestral values of communal growth, resilience, and economic empowerment. From the historic markets of Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi, the Igbo spirit thrives on wealth creation and the sharing of success. This essence of being Igbo is best captured in our unique system of mentorship, known as the “Boy-Boy” apprenticeship, where masters help their apprentices rise to prominence.
In Igbo culture, success is not defined by how much wealth one hoards but by how many millionaires one creates along the way. It’s not uncommon to see an Igbo business magnate take pride in how many of his former apprentices have become millionaires in their own right, competing with him and bringing others up the ladder. This mindset reflects a mastery over greed and an unparalleled communal spirit of growth and competition.
Our culture does not celebrate kings or absolute rulers. There is an age-old saying in Igbo land: “Igbo Enwe Eze,” which means “The Igbo have no kings.” This isn’t a literal dismissal of leadership, but rather a philosophical belief that anyone with wisdom and vision can lead. Leadership among the Igbo is earned through merit, not inherited through birthright. In the pre-colonial era, decisions in the Igbo community were made collectively, with even the youngest adult having a voice in community discussions. Superior ideas, regardless of the speaker’s age or background, were embraced and adopted by the entire community.
Our ancestors were the same people who, in 1803, chose death over slavery in what is now known as the Igbo Landing, where a group of enslaved Igbo people walked into the Pacific Ocean rather than submit to enslavement. That legendary spirit of defiance and self-determination is woven into the fabric of every Igbo person. Our names often reflect this strong connection with destiny and spiritual determination. Names like Chinemeze (God makes a king), Chibuzo (God leads the way), and Chioma (God is good) reveal the deep philosophical connection between an Igbo person and their Chi (spiritual guide).
In Igbo culture, each person’s success is viewed as a result of a personal agreement with their Chi, meaning one’s achievements are determined by their will and effort. This belief system drives the Igbo to rise above challenges, and it is this same spirit that propels us to excel in business, education, and every other field we venture into.
Our success isn’t confined to our homeland. The Igbo are known to travel far and wide, establishing thriving communities wherever they settle. Whether in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, or even in distant countries, the Igbo have a remarkable ability to adapt, integrate, and excel in foreign environments while retaining their core values. Wherever we go, we build markets, schools, hospitals, and contribute to the economy of our host communities. Our history of trade and entrepreneurship has made us a vital part of Nigeria’s economy and beyond.
Yet, despite our success, the Igbo are often misunderstood. Some see our competitive spirit as a threat or fear that we seek dominance. But this is a misconception. We do not seek political power for its own sake, nor do we wish to impose ourselves on others. Our focus is on wealth creation, justice, and economic growth. In fact, if there were true justice and fairness in society, the Igbo would largely ignore politics altogether. Our only demand is a level playing field where law and order prevail, allowing us to thrive based on merit.
One need only look to recent political developments in Abia State to see what happens when the will of the Igbo people is allowed to prevail. The election of Governor Alex Otti, through a free and fair process, is a shining example of what can be achieved when the people are empowered to choose their leaders. Otti’s leadership is already being heralded as a model of good governance, and his administration stands in stark contrast to previous regimes imposed by external forces.
This is the true spirit of the Igbo: a commitment to justice, industry, and collective progress. Even in our darkest moments, when corrupt leaders have been imposed upon us, the Igbo remain resilient, knowing that our destiny lies not in the hands of others, but in our agreement with our Chi. We continue to create, innovate, and share success with those around us, including our hosts in lands far and wide.
Our republican nature means that we do not do well with imposed authority. We detest injustice and oppression, and we are quick to resist any form of tyranny. This is why corrupt leaders who fail to serve the people inevitably fall out of favor, and why communities thrive under genuine, merit-based leadership.
As we continue to build wealth and contribute to society, let it be known that the Igbo seek not to rule over others but to prosper alongside them. Our competition is not a winner-takes-all scenario; rather, it is about creating opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed. We enrich the societies in which we live, and we embrace all who share in our vision of a better world.
The Igbo spirit, known as the “Spirit of the Igbo Rising,” is a rare and powerful force. It cannot be crushed by oppression or fear. It thrives on competition, innovation, and the pursuit of justice. We will continue to rise, because we are Igbo, and our Chi will always affirm our success.
Copied, edited, and reposted by Prof. Peter Ezeah, social commentator and Igbo scholar.
Edited
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