Aguata- Igbo-Ukwu Community Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, known for its historical and Cultural significance in Igboland has taken a major step towards reaffirming its status as the cradle of Igbo civilization with the Public presentation of a Book titled,”Igbo-Ukwu: The Igbo Cradle.
The event which was held in Amaehulu Town Hall, Igbo-Ukwu brought together Historians and the Cremé da la creme of Igbo-Ukwu Community and Outsiders. Amongst them were Chief Engr Bart Nwibe, a season Technocrat and Labour Party Governorship Aspirant, Engr Nelson Onubogu, CEO Decoon Services Limited, Chief Eric Nwobi, Sir Barr Michael C. Ubah, The President General Igbo-Ukwu Development Union; Prof Ik Muo, Ichie Ezechikwado, Member of Idu Cabinet; Professor Onwuka Njoku, who is the Book Reviewer, The Book Editor, Professor Justin Nkem Onyekpe, Chairman of the Occasion Dr Greg Ezeilo, Ezugo Oka-Mmuta and Chair of AIRS and host of others.
The Book authored by Dr Akaolisa Obikwelu, explores Igbo-Ukwu’s prominence in Igbo History, particularly the archaeological discoveries and evidences dating back to the 9th Century, the ancient Igbo-Ukwu bronze, intricate pottery, and other relics globally acclaimed as evidence of a highly advanced Civilization.
The Author, Dr Obikwelu described the book as a tool for understanding Igbo-Ukwu’s place in history of Igbo Race, stating that Igbo-Ukwu is more than a historical site; it is a testament to the creativity, innovation and resilience of Igbo people.
The Book Reviewer, Professor Onwuka Njoku, reflected on how Ndi Igbo have often been misunderstood, maligned and ridiculed, noting that the book is part of broader effort to rewrite and reclaim the History of Ndi Igbo.
In his Remark, Chief Engr Bart Nwibe expressed worry that not only Igbo-ukwu Culture was suffering erosion and recognition, but the entire Igbo Culture, hence the need to stem the drift and fast dwindling Cultural Values which Ndi Igbo hold dear.
Chief Engr Nwibe echoed that “it is very important that a people’s culture, custom and Tradition is documented for prosperity, noting that, a people without a history are nothing but nomads.”
The Chief Presenter of the Book, Chief Engr Nelson Oseloka Onubogu (Ikenga Ogbunike) ably represented by Hon Chijioke Udogu expressed his happiness to be part of this history making event.
He echoed that “This masterpiece is being presented to the world at a time Igbo people are conscious of the fact they have not gotten their identity or origin, a time when they are at a crossroad of their history.
Engr Nelson Onubogu thanked the Author for the book. He urged the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Greg Ezeilo to make sure the Book gets to Ministry of Education so that it will be included as part of Curriculum for History as Subject in Schools in Anambra State.
