THE IGBO LEXICON: A VERITABLE IGBO THOUGHT AND PHILOSOPHY FOR TRAINING AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP

Abstract

The Igbo lexicon is an amalgam of the thought and philosophy of the Igbo life and experience used in training and governance, and have been informally acquired over time. A number of lexical items drawn from the domain of the Igbo philosophy are believed to be instrumental in training their children and framing their political tradition. The data for this study was drawn from the collections and literature of Igbo maxims and proverbs. The analysis showed that the Igbo lexicon, which is an integral part of Igbo culture contributed the essence in shaping the Igbo leadership, training and political ethos. The study therefore claims that the incorporation of the concepts expressed by these items in contemporary politics would galvanize the Igbo in particular, Nigeria and Africa in general and make for good leadership, governance, citizenship and political stability