This is not a tribal-based post, but over the period of time that I have lived in different communities, cities, towns, villages and some state capitals, I noticed that even in the most interior places or villages, I must always find an IGBO MAN.

This is not a tribal-based post, but over the period of time that I have lived in different communities, cities, towns, villages and some state capitals, I noticed that even in the most interior places or villages, I must always find an IGBO MAN.

This is not a tribal-based post, but over the period of time that I have lived in different communities, cities, towns, villages and some state capitals, I noticed that even in the most interior places or villages, I must always find an IGBO MAN.

Not just to see an Igbo man there, you’ll notice that he’s doing very well for himself.

I have once been to a community where I did not understand the local language, and the people, even though they were kind and accommodating, I felt a bit off in their midst. I took solace in the fact that I was just going to spend a few days before leaving as it was work that took me there in the first place. So it was a surprise for me when I strolled out in the evening, and as I was walking, I heard the distinctive sound of Osita Osadebe’s song playing in the neighborhood. I am not really a fan of highlife music, but for me to hear that music at such time in an interior community like that, meant that an Igbo man was around the neighborhood. I traced the song till I stopped in front of a mini shop with the inscription ‘EDU BRAZIL SUPER STORES’.

I walked into the shop, and instantly, I felt at home. I saw some guys there blasting the Igbo language as if they were at Onitsha main market. One of them walked up to me(and I think he is the shop owner), and said,

“Nnaa kedu ije?’ I smiled sheepishly like some one who has found his long lost brethren.

“Ije di fine.” I responded in my half baked Igbo language. He asked what I wanted to buy, and I told him I needed just a bar of any toilet soap. Remember that I just went out for a stroll, and not for shopping. He instinctively ran into his shop and and came out with about ten different brands, colours and sizes of toilet soaps, and began to tell me their different prices, unique qualities, etc. I was shocked and in awe at his marketing skills. I told him that I didn’t really come for shopping, that I was passing and heard Osadebe’s song and decided to stop by.

He held me in a loving handshake and said “Udo pasa! Anytime any day, you are welcome to Edu Brazil superstores. Just feel free nwanne inugo!”

I nodded my head and instantly, I felt this peace in my heart. I felt at home with the community, and till I left there, I usually go to Edu Brazil’s store to chill and relax with his customers and the other Igbo guys there.

Till I left that community, I felt at peace with myself. So I do not really doubt it when people say that if you enter any community and do not see an Igbo man there, just know that something is missing.

I know that they have their own healthy dose of wahala, but you can never take away their industrious or hand working nature from them. I truly love that tribe and I can sincerely tell you I do business (VianceTea) like them and also look like them.

Ndi Igbo ndewo nuooo!

Isee!

🍂🍂🍂

24rd March 2024
By ROYAL KISS