MBIDO IGBO ( ORIGIN OF IGBOS) ASSOCIATION



In the African continent, there are well-known civilizations of which very few date back to the BC era. Many civilizations like the Egyptian, Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Benin, Ife, Bantu, etc. are known all over the world. A lot of archeological discoveries have been made in these places that make them famous.


 

            
                Music and Dance   Drama and Performing Arts Cuisines and Culinary Festivals Traditional Games
                                                                               Culture   New Yam Festival at Igbo Ukwu  


Foreigners who did the archaeological works interpreted these deposits, thereby relegating the inputs of the real owners of the archeological sites to the background.To have a good knowledge of any race and people, it is necessary to go straight to the archeological finds of the people and race in question. In-depth studies cum research on their ancient works will dispel all elements of doubt and aid one in making far-reaching conclusions about the race and people in question. 

According to the Chairman, Mbido Igbo Association, the oldest archeological finds in the race called Igbo in the Nigerian entity are those discovered in Igbo-Ukwu. Therefore, Igbo-Ukwu archeological finds; arts and culture became the yardstick for measuring similar cultures and others coming after it.The department of antiquity of Nigeria had before Independence, classified the different eras of various ancient cultures found in Nigeria and Igbo_Ukwu came second to Nok culture.

Therefore, Igbo-Ukwu culture had in essence existed before Ife and Benin cultures. It is possible that Igbo-Ukwu culture gave rise to the Benin culture of the Niger Delta and later, to that of Ife of the Yorubas. All well-known archaeologists and historians, both locally and internationally attest to this fact. A lot of research work has been done in these areas and their conclusions are the same.

Unfortunately, the Igbo-ukwu culture is not seen to be growing at the same pace with other known cultures of the world. The Nok culture is well developed, likewise those of Ife and Benin. It is also on record that while other ancient civilizations have used their traditional institutions to build up their culture and to sustain them, Igbo-ukwu and Nok cultures are still struggling to find their feet in the sands of time. The question then is why the discrepancy? 

This has given rise to the urgent need to prove to the world and doubting minds that Igbo-Ukwu is the real owner of the archeological finds, proof of an ancient and noble civilization, dating as far back as the 9^th century AD, and the originators of the culture. This need brought about the formation of the famous and prestigious Mbido Igbo (Origin of Igbos) Organization.

This organization is so called because it seeks to find the root of the challenges which the Igbo-Ukwu people have had to face in identifying their place in the historical evolution of the Nation. Mbido Igbo (Origin of Igbos) Organization is founded by three illustrious patriotic sons of Igbo race and Igbo-Ukwu, which is its cradle. They are, HRH Igwe Dr. Martin Nwafor Ezeh- Idu II of Igbo-Ukwu, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu and Mr. Okeke Sunday Sylvester. They have an idea of what to do in order to salvage the endangered Igbo Culture, Art and Tourism potentials and they have resolved to involve others to achieve these lofty goals.

Invitations were first of all sent to the “ebo na ato Igbo”, – the three areas known today in Igbo-Ukwu as quarters. With the little turn-up to that inaugural meeting, the organization was born and the good news started spreading to various neighboring towns. Slowly and steadily these towns saw the need to highlight once more, the enviable Igbo culture and art and its promotion to its former glory. With this zeal at heart, all efforts were geared towards its fruition. From thence, Mbido Igbo (Origin of Igbos) Organization became widely accepted and their festivals and other activities known throughout the Igbo race. Like a father, the Organization is calling its children home for re-integration and cultural enlightenment.  “We are on course to build up the Igbo race Arts and culture once more. All efforts are in this direction. “ Nku di na mba na-eghere mba nri”, says Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu.