Learn Igbo Online, Diaspora Stories & Dr. Ibiam’s Legacy

Ndeewo Nwanne!

Welcome to another enriching edition of Echiche Igbo Newsletter. Today, we celebrate the strength of unity, the achievements of inspiring individuals, and the joy of Igbo language and culture. Today’s edition features the following:

• Exclusive Chat : Empowering Igbo Learners through Online Education

• Igbo Diaspora Stories: Maintaining Cultural Identity Abroad

• Dr. Akanu Ibiam: A Legacy of Service and Integrity

• Children's Free Printable of the Week

Igbo Diaspora Stories: Maintaining Cultural Identity Abroad

The Igbo people, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, have a rich cultural heritage that extends far beyond their ancestral homeland. As members of the Igbo diaspora settle in countries around the world, they face the challenge of preserving their cultural identity while adapting to new environments.

For many Igbo individuals living abroad, maintaining connections to their roots is paramount. This desire has led to the formation of vibrant Igbo communities in cities across the globe. In London, for example, young Igbos have established the Ozo running club, which serves as more than just a fitness group. It provides a space for Igbo individuals to reconnect with their cultural heritage, practice their language, and forge new friendships based on shared identity.

Language plays a crucial role in preserving Igbo culture abroad. Many Igbo parents make concerted efforts to teach their children the Igbo language, recognizing its importance in maintaining cultural ties. Some diaspora communities organize language classes and cultural events to ensure younger generations remain connected to their heritage.

Traditional Igbo values and practices also find new expressions in diaspora settings. The concept of "nwanne di na mba" - which loosely translates to "there is a brother in foreign lands" - encapsulates the Igbo philosophy of unity and mutual support, even far from home. This principle guides many Igbo diaspora communities in creating support networks and fostering a sense of belonging.

However, maintaining cultural identity abroad is not without challenges. The pressure to assimilate into Western culture can sometimes lead to a disconnect from traditional Igbo values. Some Igbo diaspora members struggle with balancing their cultural heritage with the norms of their adopted countries.

Despite these challenges, many Igbo diaspora communities are finding innovative ways to celebrate and preserve their culture. From organizing traditional festivals to establishing cultural centers, these efforts ensure that Igbo heritage continues to thrive, even thousands of miles from its origins.

Exclusive Chat: Preserving Igbo Language through Online Education

This edition features an exclusive chat I had with a remarkable woman Joyce Okonkwo (Nwunye Mazi) who is making waves in the online education space by promoting the Igbo language. Her online Igbo school Kpakpandohub has gained popularity among diaspora families eager to keep their children connected to their roots.

In the chat, she discusses the challenges and successes of teaching Igbo online, the importance of cultural preservation, and how technology is helping bridge the gap for the Igbo community abroad.

Catch the full interview now on our YouTube channel!

Dr. Akanu Ibiam: A Legacy of Service and Integrity

Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam was a distinguished Nigerian statesman, medical doctor, and philanthropist whose life was dedicated to public service and the upliftment of his people. Born on November 29, 1906, in Unwana, Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, he pursued his education at Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar and King's College in Lagos before earning his medical degree from the University of St Andrews in Scotland in 1934.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1935, Dr. Ibiam chose to become a missionary medical doctor under the Church of Scotland Mission. He established hospitals in Abiriba (1936-1945), Itu, and Uburu, focusing on rural healthcare and promoting maternity and child welfare services.

His political involvement began earlier than 1960. He served as a member of the Afikpo Divisional Council from 1940 and was later elected to the Eastern House of Assembly and the Legislative Council in Lagos in 1947. In 1951, he was re-elected to the Eastern House of Assembly. Dr. Ibiam was appointed Governor of Eastern Nigeria in December 1960, serving until January 1966 when the military took over the government.

Dr. Ibiam was a devoted Christian and held significant leadership roles in various Christian organizations. He served as President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (1955-1958), Chairman of the conference leading to the All Africa Conference of Churches, and President of the World Council of Churches.

Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Ibiam received numerous honors, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1949 and later knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1951. He was also awarded honorary doctorate degrees from various universities.

His legacy extends beyond his medical and political contributions; he was a staunch advocate against injustice, inequitable resource distribution, and tribalism. Institutions such as the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic in Unwana and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu are named in his honor.

Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam passed away on July 1, 1995, at the age of 88, leaving behind a rich legacy of service, faith, and leadership.

Children's Free Printable of the Week

This week's free printable is a fun and educational Igbo alphabet worksheet featuring the letter 'A' with corresponding Igbo words. Download and print it to help your children learn Igbo in an engaging way.

Find more resources at www.learnigbonow.com.

Onye aghana nwanne ya - Don't forget to tell your Igbo friends and relatives to sign up for the Echiche Igbo Newsletter so that they don't miss out on the weekly goodness!

Ya gazie,

Yvonne Chiọma Mbanefo
Editor, Echiche Igbo Newsletter

www.learnigbonow.com

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