THE PRACTICES OF IGBO ORAL TRADITION AND ITS RELEVANCE TO NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Life is extoled continually by the Igbo people. Given that they feel that even though life may be full of difficulties, these uncertainties are only transitory, the Igbo people would always strive to make the most out of it because they have a desire to celebrate life. With the certainty that tomorrow would undoubtedly be different, the Igbo will be pleased with whatever fortune brings. Considering they are conscious of the momentary nature of everything and that uncelebrated memories might be erased by time, the Igbo people celebrate life. The critical analysis method is used in this essay to analyze the Igbo culture, rites and practices and their contribution to Nigeria’s development. This work, in the researcher's opinion, has succeeded in demonstrating that learning about and understanding rites and practices does not have to be an architectural nightmare, nor does it require evidence that they are the products of an unidentified force; rites and practices are simply performance of culture. This study has shown that by categorizing and clustering rites and practices (families), it is possible to have a deeper understanding of these activities, which are reflections of life in action. Furthermore, the examination of rites and practices reveals the true nature of Igbo culture and its evolution. From such sub-division, particular characteristics emerge that allow us to identify the cluster to which each rite and practice belongs