By Ikeugonna Eleke
The People of Igbo-Ukwu, a historically significant community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, have taken a major step in reaffirming their town’s status as the cradle of Igbo Civilization with the launch of a groundbreaking book, Igbo-Ukwu: The Igbo Cradle.
The public presentation of the book, authored by Dr. Obikwelu Humphrey Akaolisa, took place at Amaehulu, the town hall of Igbo-Ukwu, attracting a distinguished audience of historians, researchers, scholars, and notable Igbo personalities from both within and outside Igbo society.
The event served as a platform for putting the Igbo History right, and celebrating the rich cultural and historical significance of Igbo-Ukwu, which has been globally recognized for its 9th-century archaeological discoveries, including the famous Igbo-Ukwu bronzes, intricate pottery, and other relics that provide evidence of an advanced ancient civilization.
In his address, Chief Eric Nwobi, the, Chairman of the Igbo-Ukwu History Book Project, described the book as ‘a groundbreaking masterpiece that sheds new light on the origin of the Igbo-Ukwu people.’
He emphasized that the book stood as both a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo and a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of Igbo Ancestors.
The President General of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union (IDU), Sir Barr. MCK Ubah, highlighted the significance of understanding history, stating that ‘a deep knowledge of history empowers people to build a future rooted in strength and pride.’
He further noted that Igbo-Ukwu remained an enduring source of inspiration, not just for Ndi Igbo, but for the world at large.
The book reviewer, Prof. Onwuka Njoku, an emeritus professor of History from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, expressed the view that the Igbo people had often been misunderstood, misrepresented, and ridiculed regarding their historical roots.
He praised the book as an essential scholarly contribution toward rewriting and reclaiming Igbo history, emphasizing that it was detailed, well-researched, and supported by scientific evidence.
Prof. Njoku urged Igbo People to take responsibility for telling their own History, saying, ‘If you don’t tell your story, no one else will tell it better.’
The Secretary of the Igbo-Ukwu History Book Project Committee, Sir Chukwudi Iloh, further stressed that the book was not just another historical documentation, but a necessity for properly understanding Igbo History. He revealed that Igbo-Ukwu was originally known simply as “Igbo” until 1936, when the Colonial Administration added “Ukwu” for administrative convenience. This, he noted, underscored the need for deeper exploration of the true origins of Igbo Civilization.
Supporting this claim, Ichie Ezechikwado IK Muo, an Associate Professor at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, noted that Igbo-Ukwu could likely be the dispersal point of the Igbo People. He challenged critical minds to ask why the place was originally called “Igbo” before colonial alterations.
The author, Dr. Akaolisa Obikwelu, described the book as a vital tool for understanding Igbo-Ukwu’s place in history. He stated: ‘Igbo-Ukwu is more than a historical site; it is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of the Igbo People.’
The book launch was a defining moment in Igbo historical discourse, and ”Igbo-Ukwu, The Igbo Cradle”, is expected to serve as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and all those interested in unraveling the true origins of Igbo civilization.
