Alaigbo
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Also known known around here as Aladimma, the predominantly Igbo-speaking homeland is shaded light green (shaped like a mirrored map of Africa). However, like Arewa to the North, there is no reason why Aladimma should not apply to the Igbo neighbors to the immediate east and south (*) and even north of the map [&]. What we need is to work on structuring a very decent strategy for constructive coexistence devoid of suspicion and oppression. Thus, we will be abiding by the principle of the words: Ala di mma, o bata onyeobuna ofuma... meaning literally, "If the land is good, it will accommodate everyone equitably."
(*) Efik, Ibibio, Ijaw, Kalabari, Mmong, Ogoja, Ogoni, etc. [&] Idoma, Igala, Tiv, etc. MOE. 1997 |
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NDIIGBO: One of a Kind
But one thing is certain: the Ibo (sic) does not think very much of us [the British]. Disassociated from our inventions; the gramophones, the cars, the rifles, the thermos flasks and the riches he imagines we all possess, he sees little in us. When he strives to copy us, it is not because of the courage or wisdom, the virtues or the talents he may see in us, but simply because we represent to him success.... We cut quite astonishingly little ice unless there is, which is rare, downright fear, or in cases even rarer, true love and confidence.
I never ceased to wonder at and be a little disturbed by their lack of any reverence, if I may use so portentous a word, for anyone superior to them, either when used in connection with the white man or with themselves. True democrats, no one was better than themselves but yet, they were somehow better than anyone else. This self-assurance was sometimes a little frightening. They want to learn from us but only such things as may be materially productive as soon as possible. They tolerate us because they need us. They do not look up to us resentfully as conquerors but complacently as stepping stones. What will happen when they can, or think they can, mount alone and have no further use for the stepping stones, no one can tell.
~ Sylvia Leith-Ross ~
African Women: A Study of the I[g]bo of Nigeria
(London: Faber and Faber Ltd, 1939.
With preface by Lord F. Lugard,
Governor-General of the colony.)
Culled from Olu Oguibe's "Quote of the Century"