Ịgụ Arọ Igbo: Dr. Maduka Makes Case for Igbo Culture, Pledges to Prioritize Education

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The frontline aspirant for the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election and governorship candidate of Accord Party, Chief Dr. Godwin Maduka has called for the promotion and sustenance of the rich Igbo cultural heritage and tradition.

Dr. Maduka made the call while speaking at the 2021 Ịgụ Arọ Igbo festival and unveiling of the new Igbo calendar and almanac, organised by the Directorate of Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilisation (IVACAC), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in conjunction with the Anambra State Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, and which held over the weekend.

Okosisi Ndị Igbo, as he is fondly called, Dr. Maduka, who was also the Chief Launcher at the event made a handsome donation of 10 million naira to support the project and the University, and harped on the importance of education sustenance of culture and tradition amongst the youths. 

He promised to do more, if elected as the Governor of Anambra State come November 6, even as he beckoned on the student to support and vote a candidate who understands the value of education and has willingness to develop, subsidize and invest heavily in the educational sector, such that it will be affordable for both the indigent, through grants and scholarship programmes. 

While sharing his experience and success story of how diligent and consistent studies availed him the opportunity to be the number-one pain doctor in the world —an achievement envied by many scholars— Dr. Maduka, also known as the Lion of Africa, encouraged the students to stay focused and determined to achieve greatness.

He pledged that his government will initiate programs that will identify exceptional and outstanding students who are ready to conquer the world, and give them the deserved empowerment and support to actualize their dream.

He also opined that Igbo culture and tradition should be an integral part of every Onye Igbo, as it reminds them of their roots and where they come from.

Maduka, who is also a philanthropist and Founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center, USA, appreciated the organisers of the event and assured them of his continuous support; even as he called on Ndị Anambra to support his candidacy by massively voting him into power, come November 6.

Held under the distinguished Chairmanship of Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Rojenny Ogirisi Igbo), the event had in attendance, the custodians of igbo tradition and culture, as well as the various representatives of the government at different levels.

Ịgụ Arọ Igbo is a traditional event which marks the traditional beginning of the harvest season in Igbo land, and the beginning of a new calendar.

Like other communities in Igbo land, the university community also uses the event to offer thanks and prayers for a good season.

The Igbo calender is a lunar calender which measures space-time using the phases of the moon, measuring the time from new moon to new moon as one month. 

Unlike the Gregorian calendars, the Igbo calender has thirteen months in a year, seven weeks in a month and four days representing Orie, Afor Nkwo and Eke, plus one extra day at the end of the year in the last month.

Therefore, the Igbo calendar calculation, which shares semblance with what obtains in China and Israel, is shorter than the conventional solar year of 365 days.