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Welcome to Another Enriching Edition of Echiche Igbo!
This is March, Women’s History Month worldwide , and in celebration, we will feature the biographies of some remarkable Igbo women in all our editions this month! Join us as we honour the achievements, contributions, and legacies of inspiring Igbo women throughout history.

Today, we embrace our vibrant heritage with exciting features:

🎭 History Spotlight – Onitsha: A City of Rich History and Enduring Impact
🌟 Igbo Icon – Amaka Igwe: A Trailblazer in Nigerian Cinema
🎶 Song of the Week – Igbo Ejebego – Ken Erics ft. Ojadiligbo
📝 Fun for Kids – This Week’s Igbo Spelling Printable

Stay connected to our roots, learn something new, and enjoy this issue! Jisie ike! 💛

Onitsha: A City of Rich History and Enduring Impact

The vibrant city of Onitsha, located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, holds a significant place in Igbo history and commerce. With its roots tracing back to the 16th century, Onitsha’s origins are linked to migrants from the Benin Empire who sought refuge from internal conflicts. The name "Onitsha" is believed to have derived from "Orisha-Udo," a term acquired during their journey through Ile-Ife.

Onitsha’s strategic location along the Niger River has shaped its economic and cultural landscape for centuries. Following the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, the city became a major trade hub, attracting British merchants in 1857. This period also saw the arrival of Christian missionaries who played a crucial role in establishing educational and religious institutions.

The city experienced rapid expansion after becoming part of the British protectorate in 1884. Colonial administration fostered infrastructure development, including schools, churches, and administrative centers. The construction of the Niger River Bridge in 1965 further solidified Onitsha’s position as a leading commercial hub by connecting the East to Western Nigeria.

Today, Onitsha is home to one of the largest markets in West Africa—the famous Main Market, which attracts traders from across the region. The city boasts an estimated GDP of N5.14 trillion (as of 2021), underscoring its economic significance.

However, Onitsha’s rapid urbanization presents challenges, including traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and socio-economic pressures. Recently, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the city’s revered monarch, voiced concerns over the impact of Nigeria’s economic instability on Onitsha’s progress.

Despite these hurdles, Onitsha remains deeply connected to its rich traditions. The annual Ofala Festival, held in October, is a testament to the city’s enduring cultural heritage. As Onitsha navigates modern challenges, it continues to embody the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people.

Amaka Igwe: A Trailblazer in Nigerian Cinema

Uzoamaka Audrey "Amaka" Igwe (1963-2014) was a visionary Nigerian filmmaker, writer, and broadcasting executive who left an indelible mark on the country's entertainment industry. Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Igwe's passion for creativity blossomed during her formative years, leading her to pursue a career that would revolutionize Nigerian television and cinema.

Igwe's journey in the creative arts began during her university years, where she honed her skills in writing and directing. After obtaining degrees from the University of Ife and the University of Ibadan, she ventured into the world of filmmaking, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Her breakthrough came with the creation of "Checkmate," an award-winning TV soap opera that captivated Nigerian audiences. This success was followed by the popular spin-off "Fuji House of Commotion," further cementing her reputation as a talented storyteller. Igwe's films, including "Rattlesnake" and "Violated," set new standards in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood.

As a pioneer in the video film era of Nigerian cinema, Igwe was known for her commitment to excellence and her ability to tackle complex social issues through her work. Her productions often featured empathetic portrayals of marginalized individuals, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Igwe's influence extended beyond filmmaking. She founded Top Radio 90.9 Lagos, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the BOBTV Expo, an international film festival. Her efforts to elevate the quality of Nigerian media production earned her numerous accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of MFR in 2011.

Tragically, Amaka Igwe passed away in 2014, but her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerian filmmakers, particularly women, who have since risen to prominence in the industry. Her dedication to quality, storytelling, and social consciousness remains a benchmark in Nigerian cinema, ensuring that her impact will be felt for years to come.

This Week’s Igbo Printable: Learn and Practice Igbo Spelling!

As part of our commitment to promoting Igbo language learning, we are excited to share this week’s free Igbo Spelling Printable! This interactive worksheet helps learners practice spelling Igbo words by matching them to corresponding pictures. It includes essential vocabulary such as numbers, body parts, household items, and more.

Encourage young learners and beginners to engage with the Igbo language in a fun and meaningful way!

Igbo Ejebego - Ken Erics ft Ojadiligbo

Thank You for Being Part of Echiche Igbo!

As we continue our journey of learning and preserving Igbo heritage, I’m excited to offer resources designed to help you master the language and culture with ease. Whether you want to perfect your pronunciation, introduce your child to Igbo, or learn powerful proverbs for daily life, there’s something for you!

🔹 Igbo Sounds Workshop – Master Igbo pronunciation confidently.
🔹 Igbo Dictionary Videos – A child-friendly tool to complement Igbo learning.
🔹 Proverbs for Daily Life – Learn and apply 38 authentic Igbo proverbs.

🛍️ Get started today → Learn Igbo Now

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next edition!

P.S. If you found this newsletter valuable, share it with a friend who loves Igbo culture. Let’s grow together!

Ya gazie,

Yvonne Chiọma Mbanefo
Editor, Echiche Igbo Newsletter

www.learnigbonow.com