History, The Foremost Essential Fabric That Binds A Nation
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”
This was according to the renowned American Author Robert Heinlein (1907-1988)
The importance of historical studies in a society as a form of social discipline which underlines the people's past, present and helps shape their future. However, this is ultimately based on the people's ability to accept their reality and forge ahead in unison towards achieving collective success and development.
The historical bond that connects Biafrans, as a race and people was unraveled by the IPOB Deputy West African Representative, Mazi Onyeukwu JCI alongside his colleagues during a landmark educative Radio Biafra program/series themed; "Who is a Bịafran?
Under the subtopic of; What makes an Edo Man, a Biafran"
During the lectures, the guests analytically outlined the historical relativity and sociocultural similarities between the indigenous People of Edo [Iduu, Igodomigodo] and the rest of other nations that constitute the Biafran family, not minding the erroneous narratives and notions that had floated around for decades alleging that the ancient Iduu-Eri Kingdom that existed for millennial before, had descended from the subsequent Yoruba kingdom of Ife. This is not only historical blunder, but an insult to historical studies and civilization.
It is imperative to beam emphasis and highlight some of the cultural traits that an average Edo man possesses, which speaks volume of his basic proportionality and relation towards the Eastern hinterlands [Igbo,Anioma etc] than Westwards [Yoruba or Odudua Land].
For Instance, the indigenous dress codes of the women in Edo is practically the same with the ones domiciled in the Eastern hinterlands and thereabouts. In Africa, the method of identifying a people through the dress pattern of their women folks is unarguably the most accurate and proficient. Owing to the plausible notion of African women being the preservers of every nation's mundane cultural practices and norms. They are the nurturers of the homes and in turn the society.
Furthermore, the attire and costumes of the King/traditional ruler, his staff of authority, the historic palace and it's architectural designs of the Bini kingdom are in close parity with those from the Nri dynasty in the Igbo hinterland. The attitudinal disposition and resilience in the pursuit for success which are often misinterpreted as being domineering by others as also exhibited by the people of Iduu [Edo]. the languages and its synonymity, names of places, market structures and many more intrinsic, similar features.
One of the guest speaker, Mazi Udoeya from Bini during his analysis had stressed the importance of this popular campaign to arouse sociocultural and historical consciousness of the people especially as it pertains the Biafra Struggle for liberation. He said that not doing so would have been catastrophic.
In his words;
"Had it been we had Biafra ten years ago without knowing who we are as one people, we would've been like South Sudan, fighting and killing each other."
Hence, it is an imperative for people of the Eastern region to inquire and understand their historical antecedents, accept them with open minds and arms, as that will invariably be in their interest in the long run. As rightfully stated by the German-American historian Hajo Holborn, “History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.”
So we [Biafrans] need to start asking critical questions!
Written By Onyemachi Gabriel
Edited By Enenienwite Ikechukwu
For Family Writers Press International
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