Tete-a-Tete with Igwe UNEC

Introduce Yourself:

I am HRH Igwe Chinedu Ihekogwo the Eze Chidebere 1 of UNEC. I hail from Akokwa in Ideato North LGA of Imo State. A final Year Medical Laboratory Science in Faculty of Health Sciences.

As a lad, where did you reside?

I was born and brought up in Akokwa where my love for culture got nurtured into a passion to maintain culture and work towards its growth and appreciation.

As the Igwe, could you say a few words about Igbos and their attitude to their culture.

If you are talking of Igbos, you are basically talking about five states and in that aspect, I respect Anambra people. Imo has a lot of autonomous cultures. I particularly want to shed light on autonomous communities. They cause divisions. People have a benighted view of culture. As for the youths, there is no gainsaying that they have abandoned our ways.  Students hardly speak igbo

Do you believe the youths should inculcate every aspect of Igbo culture?

The most important aspect of the Igbo culture that should be maintained are those that bind us. New yam festival, ofala festival, and so many others.

Do you feel uncomfortable with some elements of our culture?

I didn’t want to join the masquerade because I don’t see the benefit and its contribution toward our growth and development as a people.

Igbos didn’t make any mistake voting for the party of their choice.

Culture in unec is just like an infant. It’s still growing. It’s just starting. The reason why culture is dead should be referred to school authority. The Igwe’s council of chiefs used to be in this school. They used to be stronger than SUG but something went wrong somewhere.

Comment on the various cultural groups in the school.

Well. We are a few of them here. I don’t think Kegite is a cultural club. Ifemeluumma is a true cultural group. Their dance is a true portrayal of the Igbo culture. They are highly commended.

On to your favourites in food and music.

Akpu and egusi. Osadebe Ife onye metalu

Any cultural events in the nearest future? What should UNEC be expecting?

Plans are under for sug cultural day. On that day, there will be a new yam festival and other cultural activities that will unite all the kporakkpos together and an ofala where there will be a coronation of a new Igwe.