Igwa Mang: Abiriba’s undiluted cultural heritage
By Sunny Igboanugo, Group Features Editor
The Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government of Abia State wears several caps. It represents different things to different people. For some, it is known for the monumental achievements its indigenes have been able to make in terms of commerce. To others, it is simply known as the Small London, a sobriquet it earns by the display of this success in the daintily-looking buildings and sprawling ambiences that adorn the town, owned by multi-billionaires it has produced. Yet, to others, it is one of the cradles of Igbo culture, captured in the main, by the Abririba War Dance, around which surrounds different myths and mythology.
It was part of these elements that residents of Tejuosho, one of the prime streets within the Surulere axis of Lagos State, beheld when it came alive last Sunday, December 2.
The entire vicinity was ensconced in cultural festivity on that day as the Nchina Age Grade Lagos Branch of community unveiled this year’s edition of the Igwa Mang ceremony, an event which practically separates the boys from the men.
Though the ceremony was billed for the NTA Channel 10 ground, located nearby, the procession that began at the entrance of the long street, attracted the residents, who abandoned their different activities to behold the kaleidoscope of colours that was the cultural activities.
Accompanied by different cultural dance groups, including the legendary War Dance, the gaily-dressed merrymakers danced in majestic splendour to the venue.
Kalu Onuma, Administrative Secretary of Ndigbo Lagos, the socio-cultural organisation catering for the interests of Ndigbo in Lagos and neighbouring states, explains: “The Abiriba people made their money through trading across sea. In the olden days, they were using the mirror to watch what was happening from afar. But over the years, it began to have other usages. It began to symbolise wealth. Before then many people had not seen their own faces. There was no instrument to enable them do that. So, it was a very big privilege for those who could afford mirrors, because it meant that they were the only ones that could see their faces. So, on occasions like this, the mirror is one of the possessions that would depict their achievement. As they dance through the square, they would be using the mirror to look at their faces, admire their faces and adjust themselves majestically.
As for the bell, it was used to attract attention, to announce to the people of the good tiding associated with their return; to show the people that the successful warrior was on his way back.”
However, adherence to the culture appears to have come into conflict with Christianity, as some people are said to have begun kicking, not only against it, but other elements of the community’s culture.
Emeson, however, dismissed this as unnecessary, because there was nothing fetish about the ceremony. “Every people on earth has a culture, which derives from their history. Abiriba people are no different. I don’t know any part of what you see today that anybody could associate with that. What is more, if you go to the bible, you will find the entire culture of Abiriba people there. So, I don’t know what they are talking about. But the people saying these things are those who don’t understand. For people like me, if there is anything fetish about it, you won’t find us there,” he said.
Introducing another perspective, Prince George M. Mgbai, President of Nchina Age Grade, Lagos Branch, regretted that the group was once torn apart, resulting to different factions, due to internal crisis. Not only had the problem been resolved, he said that of they, as its soldiers had to actually deal with the crisis that engulfed the entire community.
“Our age grade Nchina, has been a great achiever, starting from the original inception and as an undisputed champion of self-help projects at our home. Following the footsteps of our predecessors, we have brought light back to Abiriba as the first age grade, since the crises to embark on a project, Peace Park, which is near completion.
Appealing to those still aggrieved to sheathe their swords in order to take the mantle of development, he suggested the building of enduring infrastructures and enthronement of a robust environment that would keep commercial activities thriving.
Onuma, palpably upbeat, explained that the Lagos version was a tip of the iceberg, as the real ceremony was slated for later this month in the community. “What you have seen is not the real thing. The real thing will happen in the village,” he said.
