“Ndu bu isi” [Life is first]

“Ndu bu isi” [Life is first] is one of the most popular names in Igbo land. Parents name Ndubuisi because for everything one must live to find success. Ndubuisi removes defeatism with unbelievable optimism that if there is life, there will be progress. So, daily, the Igbo man or woman thrives to see how to keep moving because if that life stays, one day, success will come.

As he lives that life, elders will push him on the path of “Igba mbo” [do something no matter how small] and keep pushing hard and harder. It is that Igba mbo that will bring success, and once that person begins, help will come. Yes, “Onye aghana nwanne ya” [you cannot forget your brethren], they say.

I join the queen of the big screen, Genevieve Nnaji, to ask for every tribe to vote in peace especially in Lagos. Igbos in Lagos are just there to live. Some may like to vote for PDP, please they should NOT be attacked – it is their constitutional rights in Nigeria. They are not taking anyone’s land – for them to find more markets, they wish their hosts progress! Yes, no tribe invests in the host communities than Igbos.

Peace Nigeria especially in Lagos as we vote tomorrow.

Genevieve Nnaji wrote:

“Ndi Yoruba na Igbo-Phobia”
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 High.” 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.

LinkedIn Comment on Feed

I think Genevieve Nnaji finished work here, that makes her a real Nwa-ada Igbo. The message is very clear, the squabbles and altercations are uncalled for. You cannot successfully intimidate an Igboman, it’s always counterproductive.

Lagos has always pride itself as Centre of Excellence, a cosmopolitan city per excellence. When you now begin to hear some of these disturbing news and events, it makes nonsense of every good thing Lagos is known for, even the ‘suffering and smiling’ disposition that is legendary in the land.

Politics and elections will always come around, but what doesn’t come around again is a life taken out. The fear mongering and rumours have been swelling, not a good sign. Nigeria has already taken enough beaten in its different parts, adding Lagos to it may finally bring everyone down.

If one cannot freely vote for any party of his/her choice, then there’s no need running campaigns and talking about elections; it’s a complete waste of time. We can all do much better!

God bless Nigeria.

Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA (Feb 10 - May 3, 2025), and join Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe and our global faculty; click here.