IVACAC HOLDS SUCCESSFUL OHAZURUME HYBRID CONFERENCE

By Ikenna Nwokedi

The Directorate of Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilization (IVACAC), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Anambra State on Friday, 10th December 2021 held a successful Hybrid Conference with the theme, Ohazurume: Celebrating Igbo Democracy’. The event which took place at the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies saw custodians of the rich Igbo Culture and Tradition converge for the historic event.

In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, FPSN stated that the pristine governance structure of the Igbo of South-East Nigeria is reputed to be fundamentally republican, comprising of autonomous communities, where community issues are discussed at community level and decisions taken are firmly enforced. The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo stated that Ohazurume denotes the people’s will and connoted it supremacy above the disparate will of the individuals. The scholar also said that the term which reflects the governance style in traditional Igbo communities has implications for the quest for good governance.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka said that focus has been the bane of the Igbo nation, he emphasized that if Ndi Igbo can come up with Ohazurume and enter Igbo democracy which has been eluding us, things will get better. Ezeonwuka pointed out that Ohazurume should be involved in so many businesses to avoid fading out, he lamented the absence of Ohazurume which led to collapse of some businesses like Ekenedilichukwu which is no longer existing owing to fundamental challenges which Ohazurume would have solved.

The Keynote Speaker and a Professor of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. J.C.A Agbakoba highlighted variables such as individualism, equality, tolerance, personal responsibility and freedom as a means to achieving democracy. The scholar opined that elders have roles to play in Igbo land in the aspect of job creation for the youths and ensuring that titles are given to people that work towards having a better place. Agbakoba harped on the need to uphold education and good character by making it a necessity for those aspiring for leadership positions, he also pointed out that there is need for common traditional forum where our people get rights and still uphold it’s virtues.

The lead paper presenter and Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu emphasized on the need to interrogate our cultural values and change the cultural mindset. The SSG ably represented by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Don Adinuba revealed that in restoring Igbo land, there is need for creation of modern businesses by thinking strategically via eschewing the norm and bad orientation already in existence. He urged scholars to read materials on culture and how social values shape human progress.

Reacting to the theme, one of the Royal Fathers of the Day, Igwe Enugwu-Ukwu na Eze Umunri, HRM Igwe Sir Obumneme Ralph Ekpeh said that UNIZIK as an institution is laying a good foundation via celebrating and maintaining the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo. The monarch acknowledged the Director of IVACAC, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu for not allowing Igbo language to fade but kept bringing ideas to sustain it. He urged Ndi Igbo to do away with complaints about Nigeria but to keep building themselves by staying United. Ekpeh emphasized on the need to uphold our language and ensure that it does not go into extinction.

Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, the discussant at the occasion described Igbos as leaders with a good God. Umeadi said that it doesn’t matter how long it may take but better things will still get to them, he urged Igbos to stop degrading each other as such attitude is found amongst the group that barely have something to offer, he also emphasized on the need to keep going forward and maintaining a United front.

Also speaking the Director of IVACAC and a member of the 9th UNIZIK Governing Council, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu described Ohazurume as a multifaceted and multidimensional concept and theory which involves Igbo Communitocratic decision making. The Director of IVACAC stated that Ohazurume guarantees the eternity of the Igbo people, establishes the united agreement of the spirit of Igbo people and underlines the prevailing courage and power of Igbo people.

High points of the occasion was presentation of award to the member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Dozie Nwankwo, a visit to the proposed site of the Igbo Village, Melodic Chants fondly called ‘Ima Mbem’ to welcome the guest and august visitors to the institution as well as traditional music dances and displays.