THE IMPORT OF TIMELESS WITTICISM IN NATION BUILDING

A SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF IGBO LANGUAGE EXAMPLES

Abstract

This study views nation building from the perspective of proper management of the human and material resources of a nation. The progress of a nation does not depend on the abundance of the resources with which the nation is endowed. The fact remains that most nations with less possession of resources are progressing far better than some nations boasting of bounteous resources. The greatest and foremost challenge of a nation is to inculcate the right values in her citizens. The material resources of a nation can only be harnessed to benefit a nation by the conscious and determined efforts of right-thinking and culturally grounded individuals in the nation. The paper, hinging on the consensus theory of nation building argues that the effort of building a nation will continue to be a mirage without the building of the human component of the nation. The paper advocates the importance of witticism in building the human resources of a nation who will in turn manage the natural resources for the national advantage. The study collected and analysed five Igbo witty forms. The paper found out that Igbo proverbs as a form of witticism are accumulation of Igbo wisdom and experiences and part of our culture that must not be neglected if our nation must be built. Also, the wisdom contained in the Igbo witty forms can help raise wise citizens that will do well in building their nation.