Who Exactly are the Igbos?

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igbosThere are various ethnicities that live within Nigeria’s territory. Some of these ethnicities are relatively larger than others are in both size and population. Whatever the size or population, all of them belong to Nigeria, and occupy various regions of the country.

Focusing on the Igbo ethnic group, we see the Igbos make-up one of the three (3) most prominent ethnic groups in Nigeria, the other two major ethnicities are : Hausa and Yoruba. That means; the (3) main ethnicities are: Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba. Their population are the largest in Nigeria, and their languages are taught and learnt in schools alongside English language.

Within Nigeria, Igbos occupy the South-East region. Precisely, the five (5) states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Only Igbos inhabit these states as indigenes. However, these state are not the only states in Nigeria were Igbos live as locals. Igbos believe that: “A tree never makes a forest”  Hence, other states were you can find Igbos as indigenous occupants of the land are: Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross river. For instance; In Delta state, Igbos occupy Ukwuani, Agbor, and Ika. The traditional language in these three towns is Igbo.

Igbos have a popular saying that goes: “A performing masquerade is not seen from only one standpoint.” For that reason, Igbos are great travelers as well as migrants. And keeping relationships with people of other lands thrill them so much. That’s why, you can find Igbos as indigenes in all the neighboring states of the South-East region.

Igbo people are dark-skinned with dark curly hairs that never straightens by itself like those of Europeans. In height, Igbos are not always too tall or too short. They usually have well balanced physiques. Indeed, God has blessed the Igbos in physical appearance.

Igbo language is the main language of Igbo people. It is the main thing that sets them apart from the other 250+ ethnicities in Nigeria. It is also taught and learnt in all Federal schools in the country. Igbo language (just like other languages) contains words borrowed from other relevant and related languages to make up for the deficiencies inherent in it. Today, English language, being a foreign and imposed language on Igbos, is about annihilating Igbo language. God forbids!

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