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{{infobox ethnic group {{infobox ethnic group
|group=Igbo "Ndi Igbo" |group=Igbo "Ndi Igbo"
|image=] ] <div style="background-color:#fee8ab"><small><small>] • ]</small></small> |image=]]<div style="background-color:#fee8ab"><small><small>] • ]</small></small>
|poptime=20–30 million<ref>Sources vary widely about the population. Mushanga, p. 166, says "over 20 million"; Nzewi (quoted in Agawu), p. 31, says "about 15 million"; Okafor, p. 86, says "about twenty-five million"; Okpala, p. 21, says "around 30 million"; and Smith, p. 508, says "approximately 20 million".</ref> |poptime=20–30 million<ref>Sources vary widely about the population. Mushanga, p. 166, says "over 20 million"; Nzewi (quoted in Agawu), p. 31, says "about 15 million"; Okafor, p. 86, says "about twenty-five million"; Okpala, p. 21, says "around 30 million"; and Smith, p. 508, says "approximately 20 million".</ref>
|popplace= ], ], other ]n countries |popplace= ], ], other West African countries
|rels= ], ], ] |rels= ], ], ]
|langs= ], ] |langs= ], ]
|related-c= ], ], ], ] |related-c= ], ], ]
}} }}


The '''Igbo''', sometimes (especially formerly) referred to as the '''Ibo'''/'''Ebo''', are an ethnic group in ] numbering in the tens of millions. Most Igbo people live in southeastern ], who are one of the largest of the Nigeria's population {{Fact|date=August 2007}}; they can also be found in significant numbers in neighboring ] and other African countries as well as in other countries outside of Africa. Their language is the ]. The '''Igbo''', sometimes (especially formerly) referred to as the '''Ibo'''/'''Ebo''', are an ethnic group in ] numbering in the tens of millions. Most Igbo people live in southeastern ], who are one of the largest of the Nigeria's population;{{Fact|date=August 2007}} they can also be found in significant numbers in neighboring ] and other African countries as well as in other countries outside of Africa. Their language is the ].


==Geography== ==Geography==
The Igbos in ] who number in the mid-tens of millions in Nigeria (Approximately about 50 million spread all over the country Nigeria)and growing rapidly in population world-wide are found mainly in ], ], ], ] and ], as well as in ], parts of Akwa ibom, Cross River States and ] States. The Igbo language is predominant throughout this area, although English (the national language) is also spoken. Prominent towns in Igbo country include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Arondizuogu, ogwashiukwu, Udi, ihiala, ogbaru, abakaliki, ], Nkwerre, Ideato, Mbaano, Ahoada, Ndoni, Etche, "Igwe ocha" also known as (Portharcourt) ], ], Ibuzo, ] and ] amongst many others. The Igbo in ] are found in ], ], ], ] and ], as well as in ] and ] States. The Igbo language is predominant throughout this area, although English (the national language) is also spoken. Prominent towns in Igbo country include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] amongst others.


==Religion== ==History==
===Traditional Igbo Beliefs=== === Origin ===
According to professor Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo, Igbo people evolved over a long period in Igboland. Therefore, there is no evidence that the Igbo migrated from anywhere else.<ref>Afigbo, Adiele (1972). "Ropes of Sand. Studies in Igbo History and Culture". Longman, London, ISBN 0-19575-528-6 </ref>
{{see also|Igbo mythology}}


===Pre-colonial life===
The Igbo believe in a benevolent "Almighty" creator or Chukwu (also known as Chineke, Olisa and many other names across igboland). The "Igbo-nation" and igbos in general also believe that each individual was born with a spiritual-guide/guardian angel or guardian principle, "Chi", unique to each individual, and that the individual's fate and destiny was determined by their Chi.<ref>Nwoga, Donatus Ibe. ''The Supreme God as Stranger in Igbo Religious Thought'', Hawk Press, 1984, and Achebe, Chinua, 'Chi in Igbo Cosmology' in ''Morning Yet on Creation Day'', New York, Anchor Press, 1976</ref> Thus the Igbo say that siblings may come of the same mother but no two people have the same Chi and thus different destinies for all.
Pre-colonial Igbo political organization was based on a quasi-democratic republican system of government that guaranteed equality of the citizenry as against a feudalist "dictator king" in tight knit communities as witnessed by the Portuguese who first arrived and met with the Igbo people in the 15th century. With the exception of a few Notable towns of the Igbo like ], which had kings called Obi, and places like ] and ], which had priest kings known as Eze; Igbo communities and area governments were overwhelmingly ruled solely by a republican consultative assembly of the common people.


Although title holders were respected because of their accomplishments and capabilities, they were never revered as kings, but often performed special functions given to them by such assemblies. This way of governing was immensely different from most other communities of Western Africa, and only shared by the ] of ]. Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called ]. The Igbo had and still have their indigenous ancient calendar in which a week has four days. A month consisted of seven weeks and thirteen months made a year. In the last month, an extra day was added. This calendar is still in use in villages and towns to determine the market days.
In addition to Igbo belief in a supreme deity, the Igbo traditional belief system also included other "lower-deities" and providences related to different aspects of Igbo cosmology. This is similar to other African traditional belief systems including those of ] and ] (Kush).


They also had mathematics called Mkpisi and Okwe used for counting, measurements and a form an ancient strategic Igbo game also called "Okew". The Igbo have had a banking system for saving and loans called Isusu which is still in use today. Many Igbo people carried this system with them during the trans-Atlantic slavery to ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and others. They settled law matters via mediators.<ref> Njoku, Onwuka N. (2002) ''Pre-colonial economic history of Nigeria'' Ethiope Publishing Corporation, Benin City, Nigeria, ISBN 978-2979-36-8 </ref>
The Igbo also believed in principal spirits of the sun (Anyanwu), the sky (Igwekaala) and thunder and lightening (Amadioha). "Ala"/"Ani" was the goddess of the Earth moral rectitude and also the guardian spirit of living descendants. There were numerous other deities related to rivers and streams, forests and sacred woods, agriculture, professions, the days of the calendar which was (and still is) structured around major and minor market days, the , and so on.


===Colonial period===
Another principal deity was ] or Ajoku, guardian deity of the ] - which in previous times was the major staple crop of the Igbo. In parts of Igboland there are still annual rituals in honor of the yam deity known as Ifejioku In some parts children who were dedicated to the service of the deity were named Njoku. As adults such children were expected to become prosperous yam farmers which made them into nobility.
The arrival of the ] in the 1870s and increased encounters between the Igbo and other Nigerians led to a deepening sense of a distinct Igbo ethnic identity. The Igbo also proved remarkably decisive and enthusiastic in their embrace of ] and Western education. Under British colonial rule, the diversity within each of Nigeria's major ethnic groups slowly decreased and distinctions between the Igbo and other large ethnic groups, such as the ] and the ] became sharper. <ref> Kalu, Ogbu (1992) "Education and Change in Igboland 1857-1966" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) ''Groundwork of Igbo history'' Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 522-541. </ref>


===Nigerian Civil War===
Each major deity had a priest in every town that honored it, and the priest was assisted by a group of acolytes and devotees.
{{main|Nigerian Civil War}}
Following a campaign of genocide against the Igbo and other peoples of Eastern Nigeria living in other parts of the country between 1966 and 1967, and the assassination of the Nigerian military head of state ] by Northern Nigerian elements in the army, as well as the failure of peace talks between the military government that deposed Ironsi and the regional government of Eastern Nigeria at the Aburi Talks in Ghana in 1967, a regional council of the peoples of Eastern Nigeria decided that the region should secede and proclaimed the ]. A ], after which the federal government reabsorbed Biafra into Nigeria, stretched from 1967 until 1970. Several million Eastern Nigerians, especially Igbo, are believed to have died between the pogroms and the end of the civil war. In their brave but brief struggle for self-determination, the people of Biafra earned the respect of the world and were hailed by diverse great 20th century figures such as Jean Paul Sartre and John Lennon who returned his British Knighthood in protest against British collusion in the Nigeria-Biafra war.
<br />
In July 2007, former Biafra leader General ] renewed calls for the seccesation of the ]n state as a sovereign entity. He reaffirmed that "the only alternative is a separate existence" and went further to say that "what upsets the Igbo population is we are not equally Nigerian as the others". <ref></ref>


{{sect-stub}}
The Igbo world was divided into several interconnected realms, principal among them being the realm of the living, the realm of the dead or of the ancestors, and the realm of the unborn. Individuals who led an honorable life and received a proper burial proceeded to the ancestral realm to take their place among the ancestors or Ndichie. From there they kept a watchful eye on the clan and visited their loved ones among the living with blessings such as fertility, good health, longevity and prosperity. In gratitude the living offered sacrifices to them at the family hearth, and sought their counsel.


=== The Igbo diaspora ===
Children are still considered the greatest blessing of all and this is reflected in popular names such as Nwakaego; a child is worth more than money or Akuakanwa; no wealth is worthier than a child, or Nwabuugwu; a child is the greatest honor. In many parts of Igboland, women who successfully deliver ten children are rewarded with special celebrations and rites that honor their hips. Infertility is considered a particularly harsh misfortune. The Igbo believe that it is children who perpetuate the race, and in order to do so children are expected to continue Igbo tradition and ways.
{{see also|Nigerian American}}
After the ], many Igbo People emigrated out of the traditional Igbo homeland in southeastern Nigeria due to an absence of federal presence, lack of jobs, and poor infrastructure. Not only have the Igbo people moved to such Nigerian cities as ] and ], but have also moved to other countries such as ], ], ], ], ], ], the ], and the ]. Prominent Igbo communities outside Africa include those of ] in the ] and ], ], ], and ] in the United States.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} In the 2003 ] program '']'', Bishop ] had his ] analyzed; his ] showed that he is descended from the Igbo.<ref></ref><ref></ref>


=== Modern Igbo society ===
The Igbos are known historically for their republicanism and the absence of monarchical or central political structures among them as a group. Igbo contempt for monarchies is conspicuously embedded in the popular saying and common name, "Igbo-ama-eze"; "the Igbo recognize no kings". This is so because the Igbo believe that there is a king in every man, in other words that each person is a king unto themselves and master of their own affairs. Each Igbo community or clan is organized around age groups, social organizations, the revered and accomplished and family heads with a special place for the priest. Deference is paid to the eldest man in the clan, but each grown man has a say in the affairs of the community. Issues that affect the clan are publicly tabled and discussed and the opinion of each grown man is taken into consideration in order to reach consensus. Affairs that particularly affect women are discussed in women groups and accordingly decided and settled. In every community, the daughters of the clan or Umuada (also known as Umumgboto) occupy a particularly powerful place and could return from their different places of marriage to exercise the breaking vote in matters of grave consequence to the community. Individuals are accorded special rights in their maternal clan and may return to their mother's home town when threatened or banished from their own home towns.
After the Nigerian Civil War, Igboland was severely devastated. Many hospitals, schools, and homes had been completely destroyed in the brutal war. In addition to the loss of their savings, many Igbo people found themselves discriminated against by other ethnic groups and the new non-Igbo federal government.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Due to the discrimination of employers, many Igbo had trouble finding employment, and the Igbo became one of the poorest ethnic groups in Nigeria during the early ]. Igboland was gradually rebuilt over a period of twenty years and the economy was again prospering due to the rise of the petroleum industry in the adjacent ], which led to new factories being set up in southern Nigeria. Many Igbo people eventually took government positions.<ref name="Olisa">Olisa, Michael S. O. (1992) "Igbo politics and governance" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) ''Groundwork of Igbo history'' Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 161-177;</ref>
Furthermore, Igbos are known for their warrior like bravery and fear of no man especially when threatened. Just like the snake who is cornered or harassed who undoubtedly will strike to kill to free itself from harms way.
===Modern religious distribution===
Traditional ancient Igbo spiritual beliefs are still practiced to this day along side or separately from Christianity. Although the Igbo have been largely Christianized, indigenous beliefs retain influences. As with most Christianized peoples, Christian Igbo incorporated or meld many of the Igbo indigenous cultural values, customs and traditions into their Christian worship, while merely deemphasizing their origins. Most Christian Igbo profess to be ] and ] (a result of Western colonization).In-addition,Igbo citizens practice Jewish beliefs which can be linked to the nations' historic existence across the continent over centuries.


The Igbo, however, continue to face many problems and challenges. Even today, Igbo people have sometimes continued to face discrimination from other ethnic groups. Also, because the traditional Igbo homeland was becoming too small for its growing population, many Igbo have emigrated out of Igboland.
==Civil Society==
===Community Organization===
Each Igbo community or ] is organized around age groups, social organizations, the revered and accomplished and ] heads with a special place for the priest. Deference is paid to the eldest man in the clan, but each grown man has a say in the affairs of the community. Issues that affect the clan are publicly tabled and discussed and the opinion of each grown man is taken into consideration in order to reach consensus. Affairs that particularly affect women are discussed in women groups and accordingly decided and settled. In every community, the daughters of the clan or ] (also known as Umumgboto) occupy a particularly powerful place and could return from their different places of marriage to exercise the breaking vote in matters of grave consequence to the community. Individuals are accorded special rights in their maternal clan and may return to their mother's home town when threatened or banished from their own home towns.


====Titles====
Highly accomplished men and women are admitted into orders for people of title such as Ndi Ozo or Ndi Nze. Such individuals receive certain insignia to show their stature. Membership in these orders is highly exclusive, and to qualify an individual needs more than mere material accomplishment or gallantry. They need to be highly regarded and well-spoken of in the community, and most importantly, they must be a person of the greatest integrity, truthfulness, and sanity. The slightest impeachment of character is enough to disqualify an individual from becoming a person of title and once admitted into the order, a person of title is forbidden to lie, cheat, climb a tree, covet or divest a neighbor of their belongings, or commit an abomination or crime.


== Igbo language ==
Although title holders were respected because of their accomplishments and capabilities, they were never revered as kings. They often performed special functions given to them by such assemblies.
{{main|Igbo language}}
The Igbo people largely speak the ]. The language was used by ] as an example to justify deviating from the classical linear model of phonology as laid out in The Sound Pattern of English. It is written in the ] script. ] is a ], like ] and ].


==History== ==Culture==
=== Origin === === Igbo music ===
The ''']''' have a melodic music style, into which they incorporate various percussion instruments: the ''']''', which is essentially designed from a clay jug; an ''']''', which is formed from a hollowed log; and the ''']''', a hand bell designed from forged iron. Other instruments include ''']''', a wind instrument similar to the flute, ''']''', and ''']'''. They also have a style of music called Ikorodo which involves a vocal performance accompanied by several musical instruments.
{{see also|Nri Kingdom}}
Igbo music includes a lot of drums. Another popular musical form among the Igbo is ], which is a fusion of jazz and traditional music and widely popular in ]. The modern Igbo ] is seen in the works of ].


==Prominent Personalities==
Though the Igbo are thought to have migrate to their present location thousands of years ago, possibly from Egypt/Sudan, theories concerning their origin have ranged from the confluence of the ] and ] rivers to as places as far away as ] and ] and Ancient Meroe (Sudan). What is known is that the Igbo people did expand from the original lands of the ]. To give some directions in the issue, we must look at the Nri Kingdom as well as oral traditions (though sometimes fragmentary), genetics and linguistics (anthropologically).


===Academics===
* ] - Member of Advanced Micro Devices
* ] - Inventor of the Intelligent Transcranial Doppler Probe
* ] - Electrical and Computer Engineer
* ] - Computer Engineer in cooperation with Dell
* ] - Electrochemical Engineer
* ] - Inventor of ]
* ] - Inventor of a Voltaic Cell
* ] - Developer of Cholera Vaccine
* ] - Founder and CEO of Zinox Technologies
* ] - Mathematician
* ] - Mathematician
* ] - Mathematician
* ] - Computer scientist
* ] - Physicist
* ] - Father of Modern Chip Interconnection Technologies
* ] - Robotics
* ] - Titan of Academic Igbo Studies
* ] - Distinguished Historian
* ] - Classical Anthropologist
* ] - Botanist
* ] - Philospher
* ] - Distinguished Professor
* ] - Critically acclaimed author
* ] - Critically Acclaimed Author
* ] - Distinguished Economist
* ] - Poet


===Politics===
<blockquote>
* ] - Premier of Eastern Nigeria
...like any group of people, they are anxious to discover their origin and reconstruct how they came to be how they are. ...their experiences under colonialism and since Nigeria’s Independence have emphasized for them the reality of their group identity which they want to anchor into authenticated history.<ref>Afigbo, A.E.. ‘Prolegomena to the study of the culture history of the Igbo-Speaking Peoples of Nigeria’, Igbo Language and Culture, Oxford University Press, 1975. 28.</ref>
* ] - First Nigerian Head of State
</blockquote>
* ] - The First President of Nigeria
* ] - Former Minister of Commerce and Industry
* ] - Former governor and former President of the Senate
* ] - Politician and Businessman
* ] - ] Justice
* ] - Former Governor
* ] - Former Chief Judge
* ] - Former Minister of Science and Technology
* ] - First Senate President of Nigeria.
* ] - Second Republic Vice President of Nigeria
* ] - The President of the defunct Republic of ]
* ] - Nigerian Politician and Businessman
* ] - Senator and the Igwe X of Orlu
* ] - Former ] Vice President
* ] - Journalist and Senator
* ] - Former Senate President of Nigeria
* ] - CBN Governor
* ] - ] Leader


===Religion===
Analysis of the sources available has led researchers to the Nri Kingdom.
* ] - Roman Catholic Prelate
The Nri Kingdom is the oldest Kingdom in what is now known as Nigeria today. Exact dating of its establishment is not known and made even more obscure since modern day popular dating of the Nri Kingdom, 900AD, conflicts with the establishment of another ancient kingdom in Nigeria, the Benin Kingdom which is also popularly dated to 900AD. Via Igbo oral tradition and studies and anthropological evidences, the Nri Kingdom was founded by the progenitor Eri(or Eru). Nri (founder of the Nri-Clan) was the son of Eri. Speculation of the origin of the Igbo begins when one starts to trace the origin of Eri. By archeological account, in around 2345BC in Ancient Egypt, "M-Eru-ka (or Eru/Eri)" became a high priest to Pharaoh Teti. Because of this, the Egyptian origin of the Igbo people as many have insisted is also backed by linguistic evidences proving many Ancient Egyptian words survive in the Igbo language today and has led researchers to focus in this area. A small list of Ancient Egyptian words which survive in the Igbo language are as follows:
* ] - Roman Catholic Priest
* ] - Priest, Beatified Christian Monk


===Arts===
'''EGYPTIAN | IGBO''' (Onitsha and Uburu dialects used)
* ] - Singer and Actress
* ] - Nollywood Actress
* ] - The first youngest U.S. Trial Court Administrator.
* ] - President of the ]
* ] - Highlife Musician


==Business==
KAKA(God) | Ka (greater, superior)<br />
* ] - Founder of ABC Transport
Khu (to kill, death) | Nwu/Gbu (die/to kill) <br />
* ] - First Nigerian Millionare
Em (smell) | Imi/Emi (nose, associated with smell)<br />
Bi (to become) | Bu (to become)<br />
un (living being) | Ndu (life) <br />
Feh (to go away) | Feh (to fly away)<br />
Budo (dwelling place) | Obodo/ubudo (country, dwelling place)<br />
Dudu (black image of Osiris) | Mmadu (person)<br />
Un (living person) | Ulo/Uno (living area, house)<br />
Beka (pray/confess) | Biko/Beko (to plead, please)<br />
Aru (mouth) | Onu (mouth) & kooh/Kwue (to speak)<br />
Dor (settlement) | Dor-Nor (sit down, settle)<br />
Ra -Shu (light after darkness) | La -Shu (sleep)<br />
Aru (rise) | Anu/Kulie (up, rise)<br />
Wu (rise) | KWu-ni/Kunie (rise)<br />
In- n (negation) nh-n (negation)<br />
Ma (to know) | Ma, Ma-li (to know)<br />
Se (to create) | Ke (to create) & Se (to draw)<br />
Hoo (rejoice) | Goo, ta-Goo (dance, rejoice)<br />
Omijener (deep water) | Ime-me (deep inside)<br />
Nen (the primeval water mother) | Nem (mother)<br />
Ro (talk) | Kwo (to talk)<br />
Penka (divide) Panje (break it)<br />
Ala (Land of) | Ala (Land of, ground, boundary)<br />
Amu (children) | Umu (children)<br />
Ani (ground land below) | Ani (ground land below)<br />
Ka (higher) | Ka (greater, higher, stronger, above)<br />
Pa (open) | Meghee (open)<br />
Isi (leader) | Isi (leader, head (body part), female name as in igbo: "Isioma")<br />
Oni (AE City) | Oni-tsha (Igbo City)<br />
Ikhenaten (name of a Pharaoh) | Ikh-em (Igbo name for a male representing high power)<br />
Au-nu (Crocodile) | Anu/Anu-Ma-nu (animal, beast)<br />
Miri (water) | Miri (water)<br />
Nahasu (other Blacks) | Ahasi/Ani-hasi (Evening, night)<br />
Ak (man) | Ok-a (man)<br />
Ehn/Hen (yes, nod head) | Eh (yes, nod head)<br />
Paa/Faa (fly) | Feeh/Faa (fly)<br />
Utcha (dawn) | Uchi-chi/Utchi-chi(night)<br />
MM (among) | Imme (inside, among)<br />
W (they) | Uwe (they, them)


==Sports==
According to Eze Nri, Nri-Enwelana II, the "Nri Kingdom is the oldest Kingdom in Nigeria and was founded by the progenitor, Eri, the son of Gad. According to biblical accounts, Jacob had Leah as his wife who begot four sons for him.
* ] - 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist

* ] - Former World Middle Weight Boxing Champion
In addition to the pattern of evidences of migration from Egypt, other people also entered the Igbo territory in about the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries. Many of these people still exhibit different characteristics from that of the traditional Igbo people – for example geographical marginality, the institution of kingship, a hierarchical title system. The Igbo word "Igbo" is now used in three senses, to describe Igbo territory, to identify the Igbo people (whether they speak the Igbo language or not) and to Identify the language spoken by Igbo people.(see (A.E. Afigbo,1981: Ropes of Sand, Caxton Press,Ibadan. and T. Shaw:1970; "Igbo Ukwu: An Account of Archaeological Discoveries in Eastern Nigeria", Faber and Faber, pp. 268-285).
* ] - Soccer player and founder of Kanu Heart Foundation

* ] - Mieldfield Maestro
===European Contact and Colonization===

The ] were the first Europeans to encounter the Igbo in the 15th century. The arrival of the ] in the 1870s and increased encounters between the Igbo and other Nigerians led to a deepening sense of a distinct Igbo ethnic identity. The Igbo also proved remarkably decisive and enthusiastic in their embrace of ] and Western education. Under British colonial rule, the diversity within each of Nigeria's major ethnic groups slowly decreased and distinctions between the Igbo and other large ethnic groups, such as the ] and the ] became sharper.<ref name="Ogbu">Kalu, Ogbu (1992) "Education and Change in Igboland 1857-1966" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) ''Groundwork of Igbo history'' Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 522-541;</ref>

===Nigerian Civil War===
{{main|Nigerian Civil War}}
Following a series of ethnic clashes between Northern Muslims and the Igbo (and other peoples) of ] living in Northern Nigeria between 1966 and 1967, and the assassination of the Nigerian military head of state ] by Northern Nigerian elements in the army, as well as the failure of peace talks between the military government that deposed Ironsi and the regional government of Eastern Nigeria at the Aburi Talks in Ghana in 1967, a regional council of the peoples of Eastern Nigeria decided that the region should secede and proclaimed the ]. A ], after which the federal government reabsorbed Biafra into Nigeria, stretched from 1967 until 1970. Several million Eastern Nigerians, especially Igbo, are believed to have died between the pogroms and the end of the civil war.
<br />
In July 2007, former Biafra leader General ] renewed calls for the seccesation of the ]n state as a sovereign entity. He reaffirmed that "the only alternative is a separate existence" and went further to say that "what upsets the Igbo population is we are not equally Nigerian as the others".<ref></ref>
Even today the call for an independent nation for Igbos is still on and would likely be realised as long as the call remains peaceful and global as it is now.
{{sect-stub}}

=== The Igbo Diaspora ===
{{see also|Nigerian American}}
After the ], many Igbo People "once again", emigrated out of the traditional Igbo homeland in south-eastern/south-southern Nigeria due to an absence of federal infrastructure, limited opportunities for jobs, poor local infrastructure destroyed by a three year old conflict and their natural zeal to always see what is viable out there in a world/planet made by CHI or "GOD". Not only have the Igbo people moved to such Nigerian cities as ] and ] and even smaller villages and settlements across Nigeria, but have also moved to other countries such as ],Togo, Benin, ], ], ], ], and other countries in other regions of Africa such as ], ], and ] but have also migrated to western countries like ], the ], ], ], ], ] and the ], not mention to Central American nations like ], and most of Southern America as well as most of Asia in conutries like ], ], ], and ]. In a few words, Igbos are everywhere inhabitable on the planet "earth" as with their nature, they seek economic opportunities in all parts of the globe. Prominent Igbo communities outside Africa include those of ] in the ] and ], ], ], and ], Minnesota, Chicago, Newyork and most parts of eastern coast of the USA. In the 2003 ] program '']'', Bishop ] had his ] analyzed; his ] showed that he is descended from the Igbo.<ref> and so did the American Oscar winning actor, Forest whitaker who is also mainly igbo and ghanian to mnetio but a few.</ref><ref></ref>

=== Modern Igbo society ===
After the Nigerian Civil War, Igboland was severely destroyed, but not knocked out in anyway although its enemies would have wished that to be the case. In addition to the loss of their savings, many Igbo people found themselves discriminated against by other ethnic groups and the new non-Igbo federal government.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Due to the discrimination of employers, many Igbo had trouble finding employment, and the Igbo became one of the poorest ethnic groups in Nigeria during the early ],but that soon changed as their industrious genuity in commerce led them to be the richest individual ethnic group in Africa when compared individually to any other ethnic African group.Igboland was gradually rebuilt over a period of ten years from the end of the civil war and the economy was again prospering due to the rise of the petroleum industry in the adjacent ], mainly port-harcourt, an Igbo-Land originally called " Igwe-Ocha", which led to new factories being set up in southern Nigeria and their industrous nature in business , trade and commerce. Igbos have most autonomous control over major commercial markets in Nigeria in places like ( ABA,ONITSHA,ENUGU,OWERRI,Port-Harcourt/Igwe-Ocha,KADUNA,KANO,SOKOTO,LAGOS,IBADAN,MAKURDI,ABUJA,MAIDUGURI etc), and strong presence in lands beyond its territory( LIBERIA,TOGO,BENIN REPUBLIC,COTE D'IVOIRE,GHANA,KENYA,TANZANIA,UGANDA,SOUTH-AFRICA,ZAMBIA,LONDON, NEW-YORK etc) as well as in the road transportation industry with pioneers like the famous "EKENE DILI CHUKWU" Transportation INC which is the equilivalent of U.S. Greyhound bus system. Many Igbo people eventually took government positions. However, most igbos either embrace a combination of government jobs and individual business incentives or business/trading as a whole. The Ingenuity of the Igbo Race can be attributed to why Nigeria is rich in foreign export revenues besides Oil and Gas which are exploited from the Niger Delta by the Nigerian Govt. This is so because they are mainly responsible for the Multi-billion dollar Home movie empire known today as "Nollywood" as well as all individually managed and sponsored commercial activities in Nigeria.<ref name="Olisa">Olisa, Michael S. O. (1992) "Igbo politics and governance" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) ''Groundwork of Igbo history'' Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 161-177;</ref>

==Igbo language, calendar, and other facts==
=== Igbo language ===
{{main|Igbo language}}
The Igbo people largely speak the ]. The language was used by ] as an example to justify deviating from the classical linear model of phonology as laid out in The Sound Pattern of English. It is written in the ] script. ] is a ]. It is also a language with a lot of proverbial and poetic references interwoven within the language.
The British colonial policy of ] depended on a local ruler for authority and as an intermediary. However, Igbo communities did not have such alien leadership, so ] were appointed. Deriving their authority from the ], they were given wide authority over their subjects. Although some "Igwes" or "]s" (as they are known today) are ], most are now ] by a council of elders.In addition, today such titles exists in every household as opposed to a single king ruling everyone.

===Calendar, Nsibidi and Finance===
Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called ]. The Igbo had (and still have) their indigenous ] in which a week has four days. A month consisted of seven weeks and thirteen months made a year. In the last month, an extra day was added. This calendar is still in use in villages and towns to determine the market days. It is still in use today.

They also had mathematics called Mkpisi and Okwe used for counting, measurements and a form an ancient strategic Igbo game also called "Okew". The Igbo have had a banking system for saving and loans called Isusu which is still in use today. Many Igbo people carried this system with them during the trans-Atlantic slavery to ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and many others. They settled law matters via unbiased mediators.<ref name="Njoku">Njoku, Onwuka N. (2002) ''Pre-colonial economic history of Nigeria'' Ethiope Publishing Corporation, Benin City, Nigeria, ISBN 978-2979-36-8 ;</ref>


==Notes== ==Notes==
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==References== ==References==
* Afigbo, Adiele (1972). "Ropes of Sand. Studies in Igbo History and Culture". Longman, London, ISBN 0-19575-528-6
* Agawu, Kofi (2003). ''African Music: Postcolonial Notes, Queries, Positions''. Routledge.
* Agawu, Kofi (2003). ''African Music: Postcolonial Notes, Queries, Positions''. Routledge.
* Forde, Cyril Daryll and Jones, G. I. (1950) ''The Ibo and Ibibio-Speaking Peoples of South-Eastern Nigeria'' International African Institute by Oxford University Press, London.
* Forde, Cyril Daryll and Jones, G. I. (1950) ''The Ibo and Ibibio-Speaking Peoples of South-Eastern Nigeria'' International African Institute by Oxford University Press, London.
* Mushanga, Tibamanya mwene (2001). "Social and Political Aspects of Violence in Africa". ''Social Problems in Africa: New Visions''. Praeger/Greenwood.
* Mushanga, Tibamanya mwene (2001). "Social and Political Aspects of Violence in Africa". ''Social Problems in Africa: New Visions''. Praeger/Greenwood.
* Njoku, John Eberegbulam (1990) ''The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival'' E. Mellen Press, Lewiston, NY, ISBN 0-88946-173-2.
* Okafor, Clement (2004). "Igbo Cosmology and the Parameters of Individual Accomplishments in ''Things Fall Apart''". ''Emerging Perspectives on Chinua Achebe''. Volume 1: ''Omenka'' the Master Artist: Critical Perspectives on Achebe's Fiction. * Njoku, John Eberegbulam (1990) ''The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival'' E. Mellen Press, Lewiston, NY, ISBN 0-88946-173-2.
* Okafor, Clement (2004). "Igbo Cosmology and the Parameters of Individual Accomplishments in ''Things Fall Apart''". ''Emerging Perspectives on Chinua Achebe''. Volume 1: ''Omenka'' the Master Artist: Critical Perspectives on Achebe's Fiction.
* Okpala, Benneth (2003). ''Toasting the Bride: Memoirs of Milestones to Manhood'', 2nd ed. Trafford Publishing. * Okpala, Benneth (2003). ''Toasting the Bride: Memoirs of Milestones to Manhood'', 2nd ed. Trafford Publishing.
* Smith, David Jordan (2004). "Igbo". ''Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures''. Volume I: Topics and Cultures A–K. Springer. * Smith, David Jordan (2004). "Igbo". ''Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures''. Volume I: Topics and Cultures A–K. Springer.
* Smock, Audrey C. (1971) ''Ibo Politics: The Role Of Ethnic Unions In Eastern Nigeria'' Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, ISBN 0-674-44025-0. * Smock, Audrey C. (1971) ''Ibo Politics: The Role Of Ethnic Unions In Eastern Nigeria'' Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, ISBN 0-674-44025-0.
* Uchendu, Victor Chikezie (1965) ''The Igbo Of Southeast Nigeria'' Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. * Uchendu, Victor Chikezie (1965) ''The Igbo Of Southeast Nigeria'' Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York.


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*]
*]


==External links== ==External links==
* *

*...ezi unwo nke uwa


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Revision as of 06:07, 3 February 2008

Ethnic group
Igbo "Ndi Igbo"
Olaudah Equiano • Michael Iheonukara Okpara
Regions with significant populations
Nigeria, Cameroon, other West African countries
Languages
Igbo, English
Religion
Christianity, traditional, Judaism
Related ethnic groups
Ibibio, Idoma, Ijaw

The Igbo, sometimes (especially formerly) referred to as the Ibo/Ebo, are an ethnic group in West Africa numbering in the tens of millions. Most Igbo people live in southeastern Nigeria, who are one of the largest of the Nigeria's population; they can also be found in significant numbers in neighboring Cameroon and other African countries as well as in other countries outside of Africa. Their language is the Igbo language.

Geography

The Igbo in Nigeria are found in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, as well as in Delta and Rivers States. The Igbo language is predominant throughout this area, although English (the national language) is also spoken. Prominent towns in Igbo country include Ahiara, Aba, Abiriba, Awka, Abba, Nigeria, Owerri, Orlu, Nnewi, Mbaise, Nsukka, Enugu, Onitsha, Afikpo, Okigwe, Umuahia, Asaba, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Ikwerre, Ngwo, Mbaitoli, Ikeduru and Ihiala amongst others.

History

Origin

According to professor Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo, Igbo people evolved over a long period in Igboland. Therefore, there is no evidence that the Igbo migrated from anywhere else.

Pre-colonial life

Pre-colonial Igbo political organization was based on a quasi-democratic republican system of government that guaranteed equality of the citizenry as against a feudalist "dictator king" in tight knit communities as witnessed by the Portuguese who first arrived and met with the Igbo people in the 15th century. With the exception of a few Notable towns of the Igbo like Onitsha, which had kings called Obi, and places like Nri and Arochukwu, which had priest kings known as Eze; Igbo communities and area governments were overwhelmingly ruled solely by a republican consultative assembly of the common people.

Although title holders were respected because of their accomplishments and capabilities, they were never revered as kings, but often performed special functions given to them by such assemblies. This way of governing was immensely different from most other communities of Western Africa, and only shared by the Ewe of Ghana. Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called Nsibidi. The Igbo had and still have their indigenous ancient calendar in which a week has four days. A month consisted of seven weeks and thirteen months made a year. In the last month, an extra day was added. This calendar is still in use in villages and towns to determine the market days.

They also had mathematics called Mkpisi and Okwe used for counting, measurements and a form an ancient strategic Igbo game also called "Okew". The Igbo have had a banking system for saving and loans called Isusu which is still in use today. Many Igbo people carried this system with them during the trans-Atlantic slavery to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, United States, Brazil, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and others. They settled law matters via mediators.

Colonial period

The arrival of the British in the 1870s and increased encounters between the Igbo and other Nigerians led to a deepening sense of a distinct Igbo ethnic identity. The Igbo also proved remarkably decisive and enthusiastic in their embrace of Christianity and Western education. Under British colonial rule, the diversity within each of Nigeria's major ethnic groups slowly decreased and distinctions between the Igbo and other large ethnic groups, such as the Hausa and the Yoruba became sharper.

Nigerian Civil War

Main article: Nigerian Civil War

Following a campaign of genocide against the Igbo and other peoples of Eastern Nigeria living in other parts of the country between 1966 and 1967, and the assassination of the Nigerian military head of state General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi by Northern Nigerian elements in the army, as well as the failure of peace talks between the military government that deposed Ironsi and the regional government of Eastern Nigeria at the Aburi Talks in Ghana in 1967, a regional council of the peoples of Eastern Nigeria decided that the region should secede and proclaimed the Republic of Biafra. A civil war, after which the federal government reabsorbed Biafra into Nigeria, stretched from 1967 until 1970. Several million Eastern Nigerians, especially Igbo, are believed to have died between the pogroms and the end of the civil war. In their brave but brief struggle for self-determination, the people of Biafra earned the respect of the world and were hailed by diverse great 20th century figures such as Jean Paul Sartre and John Lennon who returned his British Knighthood in protest against British collusion in the Nigeria-Biafra war.
In July 2007, former Biafra leader General Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu renewed calls for the seccesation of the Biafran state as a sovereign entity. He reaffirmed that "the only alternative is a separate existence" and went further to say that "what upsets the Igbo population is we are not equally Nigerian as the others".

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.

The Igbo diaspora

See also: Nigerian American

After the Nigerian Civil War, many Igbo People emigrated out of the traditional Igbo homeland in southeastern Nigeria due to an absence of federal presence, lack of jobs, and poor infrastructure. Not only have the Igbo people moved to such Nigerian cities as Lagos and Abuja, but have also moved to other countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Togo, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Prominent Igbo communities outside Africa include those of London in the United Kingdom and Houston, California, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. in the United States. In the 2003 PBS program African American Lives, Bishop T.D. Jakes had his DNA analyzed; his Y chromosome showed that he is descended from the Igbo.

Modern Igbo society

After the Nigerian Civil War, Igboland was severely devastated. Many hospitals, schools, and homes had been completely destroyed in the brutal war. In addition to the loss of their savings, many Igbo people found themselves discriminated against by other ethnic groups and the new non-Igbo federal government. Due to the discrimination of employers, many Igbo had trouble finding employment, and the Igbo became one of the poorest ethnic groups in Nigeria during the early 1970s. Igboland was gradually rebuilt over a period of twenty years and the economy was again prospering due to the rise of the petroleum industry in the adjacent Niger Delta, which led to new factories being set up in southern Nigeria. Many Igbo people eventually took government positions.

The Igbo, however, continue to face many problems and challenges. Even today, Igbo people have sometimes continued to face discrimination from other ethnic groups. Also, because the traditional Igbo homeland was becoming too small for its growing population, many Igbo have emigrated out of Igboland.


Igbo language

Main article: Igbo language

The Igbo people largely speak the Igbo language. The language was used by John Goldsmith as an example to justify deviating from the classical linear model of phonology as laid out in The Sound Pattern of English. It is written in the Roman script. Igbo is a tonal language, like Yoruba and Chinese.

Culture

Igbo music

The Igbo people have a melodic music style, into which they incorporate various percussion instruments: the udu, which is essentially designed from a clay jug; an ekwe, which is formed from a hollowed log; and the ogene, a hand bell designed from forged iron. Other instruments include opi, a wind instrument similar to the flute, igba, and ichaka. They also have a style of music called Ikorodo which involves a vocal performance accompanied by several musical instruments. Igbo music includes a lot of drums. Another popular musical form among the Igbo is Highlife, which is a fusion of jazz and traditional music and widely popular in West Africa. The modern Igbo Highlife is seen in the works of Ezebuiro Obinna.

Prominent Personalities

Academics

Politics

Religion

Arts

Business

Sports

Notes

  1. Sources vary widely about the population. Mushanga, p. 166, says "over 20 million"; Nzewi (quoted in Agawu), p. 31, says "about 15 million"; Okafor, p. 86, says "about twenty-five million"; Okpala, p. 21, says "around 30 million"; and Smith, p. 508, says "approximately 20 million".
  2. Afigbo, Adiele (1972). "Ropes of Sand. Studies in Igbo History and Culture". Longman, London, ISBN 0-19575-528-6
  3. Njoku, Onwuka N. (2002) Pre-colonial economic history of Nigeria Ethiope Publishing Corporation, Benin City, Nigeria, ISBN 978-2979-36-8
  4. Kalu, Ogbu (1992) "Education and Change in Igboland 1857-1966" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) Groundwork of Igbo history Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 522-541.
  5. "Call for Biafra to leave Nigeria" BBC.
  6. COMMENTARY; Reclaiming black heritage by using DNA
  7. EthnicLoft - Sharing and celebrating the treasures of our heritage and culture
  8. Olisa, Michael S. O. (1992) "Igbo politics and governance" in Afigbo A. E. (ed.) (1992) Groundwork of Igbo history Vista Books, Lagos, ISBN 978-134-400-8 pages 161-177;

References

  • Afigbo, Adiele (1972). "Ropes of Sand. Studies in Igbo History and Culture". Longman, London, ISBN 0-19575-528-6
  • Agawu, Kofi (2003). African Music: Postcolonial Notes, Queries, Positions. Routledge.
  • Forde, Cyril Daryll and Jones, G. I. (1950) The Ibo and Ibibio-Speaking Peoples of South-Eastern Nigeria International African Institute by Oxford University Press, London.
  • Mushanga, Tibamanya mwene (2001). "Social and Political Aspects of Violence in Africa". Social Problems in Africa: New Visions. Praeger/Greenwood.
  • Njoku, John Eberegbulam (1990) The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival E. Mellen Press, Lewiston, NY, ISBN 0-88946-173-2.
  • Okafor, Clement (2004). "Igbo Cosmology and the Parameters of Individual Accomplishments in Things Fall Apart". Emerging Perspectives on Chinua Achebe. Volume 1: Omenka the Master Artist: Critical Perspectives on Achebe's Fiction.
  • Okpala, Benneth (2003). Toasting the Bride: Memoirs of Milestones to Manhood, 2nd ed. Trafford Publishing.
  • Smith, David Jordan (2004). "Igbo". Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures. Volume I: Topics and Cultures A–K. Springer.
  • Smock, Audrey C. (1971) Ibo Politics: The Role Of Ethnic Unions In Eastern Nigeria Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, ISBN 0-674-44025-0.
  • Uchendu, Victor Chikezie (1965) The Igbo Of Southeast Nigeria Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York.

See also

External links

Categories: