12/04/2023
The Igbos have never been the problem with Nigeria or wherever they find themselves.
This is not ethnic jingoism or bigotry.
The Igbos will never foment troubles where they are
because they know that "Isi Kote Ebu, Ogbaa Ya"
They also know deep in their hearts that "Ife Onye Metalu, Obulu."
The Igbos will never kill others to live because they believe that "Ndu bu Isi" Yes, murder or "Igbu Ochu" is one of the most despicable crimes amongst the Igbos.
The Igbos believe that once you are alive, there is always a way left to succeed.
The "Igba Mbo" is perhaps the best gift of the Igboman.
Yes, the Igbos struggle to make it in life. They are industrious, assiduous & sedulous.
The Igbos also believe in helping one another. That's why you hear "Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya."
There is also no lateness in making it in life amongst the Igbos because "Ebe Onye Oso Ruru, Onye Ije Geru" and Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma" Igbo businessmen are scattered all over the world.
Wherever they are, they make their homes, building houses & gentrifying districts.
For most lgbos, "Ala bu Otu." Igbos are liberal, accommodating & very friendly to foreigners.
This is because they are themselves scattered all over the world as immigrants.
Na Lagos, Ndi Igbo n'agba oso ahia, Igbo n'ere gala na go slow, Igbo n'aru conductor, umu Igbo bu importers buru manufacturers, Igbo no into clearing and forwarding, Igbo n'esi nri, umunna n'ere motor parts, Igbo n'aru police na oru aka.
Ndi Igbo adiro selective with jobs maka na onye ruo, orie.
But the Igbos will never take your lands or countries from you.
The Igboman thinks about his native home.
Yes, you will never provide him with "akpu", bitter leaves soup, palm wine, isi ewu & other scrumptious dishes he misses at Igboland.
While living in your country or State, never you imagine the Igbo is not thinking about his village.
My friend, he does that everyday.
Where ever the Igbos ubicate, their hearts are not far from their native homes.
Stop killing the Igbos. They will only make their money & go back to their land. And they know how to make legitimate
money.
Yes, where you see nothing, the Igbos with their gimlet eyes see "Ego." So when next you meet an Igboman, ask him "Nna, how far?"
If you are lucky & he had done a successful business deal, he might just take you out for lunch. Yes, the Igbos like sharing.
On the other hand, if business is low, he will tell you the normal clichés... "Obodo bu Igwe" or Ife an'eme Adiro Easy" or "Ogbogu di tight."
Look at his face closely as he laments. You will see no signs of defeatism. Mind you, he might just be carrying 1Million naira in his pockets.
Just that the money had already been budgeted for... "Sontin...es!!!"
Daalu.
— Genevieve Nnaji
