Mr Nnamdi Mbaigbo, an industrialist, says Igbo people are blessed by God with the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship which is why they succeed in business enterprises.

Mbaigbo, the Managing Director, Tropicalgate Ltd, said this in Nsukka on Monday while presenting the maiden ‘Igbokacha’ lecture series organised by the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

The theme of the lecture was “Igbology and Zeitgeist of Akonauche in the 21st century Africa”.

He said Igbo philosophy of hard work was the driving force that made Igbo people to excel in businesses locally, nationally and globally.

“This philosophy is anchored on wisdom, common sense, sound judgment and restraint in dealing with all issues and situations to achieve desired results.

“An Igbo man abhors injustice, laziness, failure of all types, marginalisation and discrimination.

“Even if an Igbo man becomes the president of the country tomorrow Igbo people will not fold their hands for patronage, or marginalise others.

“They will continue with their spirit of resilience, the spirit of `all things are possible’, the spirit of self-reliance and entrepreneurship,” he said.

He said it was this philosophy that was responsible for trade apprenticeship (igbaodibo) where a boy learnt how to buy and sell goods some years after which the `Oga’ (boss) would settle him to start his own business.

“Majority of millionaires and billionaires in Igbo land went through trade apprenticeship, the knowledge they acquired while learning the trade from their masters help them to succeed in business.

“Anywhere trade apprenticeship is practiced today in any part of Nigeria, or outside, the initiative is a product of Igbo people,” he said.

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The MD expressed appreciation to the Department of Archaeology and Tourism for finding him worthy to deliver the maiden lecture.

In a remark, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (TRANSCORP), said Igbo entrepreneuship spirit was behind the Igbo being an instrument of development wherever they went.

“God gave Igbo people ‘ako n’uche’ (Wisdom and Tact) which help them to thrive, survive and stand out anywhere they find themselves globally,” he said.

Ozigbo, who is in the governorship race in Anambra under the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP), said he was in the race to change the narrative of governance in the state.

Prof. Charles Igwe, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University commended the department for bringing dignitaries in South East to attend the maiden edition of “Igbokacha” lecture series.

The VC was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Okpoko.

“Igbokacha does not mean competition with any tribe but what it means is that the Igbo are independent and are always prepared to face any challenge to succeed in life,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Emeka Okonkwo, the Head of Department, Archaeology and Tourism, UNN, said that the lecture series was borne out of need to have an in-depth understanding of the Igbo people and their culture.

Okonkwo said the lecture series would also reflect on the important roles the Igbo had played in development in Nigeria, Africa and in the world.

“Igbokacha sees the Igbo people as one of the most industrious people in the world.”

Okonkwo said the department needed about N26m to give face-lift and equip its archeological museum and solicited for help from guests and friends of the department.

“The department will require about N26m to equip the exhibition gallery, purchase of chemicals for conservation and maintenance of cultural objects in the museum among others,” he said.

Chief Jude Eze, the traditional ruler-elect of proposed Ugwunaagbo autonomous community in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, prayed for the success of the lecture series using kolanut as point of contact with the creator.

Eze said that kolanut remained a fundamental part of the Igbo culture and tradition as no function or gathering would be complete without breaking of kolanut.

“The Igbo nation respects kolanuts more than any other nation in Africa, they do not see kolanut as just an edible fruit, but an object that brings peace, unity and good neighbourliness,” he said.