Start your day with excitement. #Igbo cultural dance!

HOW ENUGU DISAPPOINTED US: By Olalekan Soyombo.

When this year NBA International Conference was shifted to Enugu, many Lawyers grumbled and expressed fear as to why should an Eastern part of the country ridden with violence and insecurities remained an option.

Afterwards, the Association was assured of the best and we moved on, though with doubt, but in the spirit of optimism that our association remains ours, the best of it must be explored regardless!

INDEED ENUGU CITY DISAPPOINTED US!

Yes, disappointed to see a clean city and well coordinated people; disappointed to see a city with a good layout and infrastructural development; disappointed to see a well arranged community of people who are friendly and accommodating; disappointed to see classes of hotels, resorts in across the town of Enugu and above all a well constructed and projected first class international conferences centre. All in the City of Enugu.

Aside Lagos, no state in the South West can compete with the COAL CITY OF ENUGU in terms of development. My colleagues who are reading this would attest to this fact.

Enugu transportation system is excellent, well-arranged and orderly (although, extortionate).

I must confess that the Easterners/Igbos know what they want and they are committed to achieving them perfectly.

This is without prejudice to the efforts of our Governors here in the South West of Nigeria, but more passion should be put in place by making infrastructural development a priority beyond petty considerations.

Enugu is greatly missed!!!

Olalekan Soyombo.

Igbo women are too much #iloveigbowomen

There is nothing like CHUKU okike abiama in Igbo language. Prove me wrong if you are a Igbo language student!!

wow am igwe omerezeigbo happy to be here #nkwo market day 19/8/2025

Women and Traditional Igbo Back-Handed Greetings

In Igboland, titled men greet each other using a unique method known as "ina ito," which is the traditional back-handed salute. This form of greeting is not appropriate for an "anoli"—an individual who has not been initiated into any of the traditional Igbo societies or has not yet received a traditional title.

Culture is dynamic, and some communities in Igboland are beginning to include women in these traditional greeting customs. However, there are some men who oppose this practice, arguing that it is an abomination (alu) for a woman to receive this type of greeting, as it has historically been reserved for titled men only.

I witnessed the rituals and protocols firsthand when my wife, Iyom Ugomba, was initiated into the prestigious Iyom society of Enugwu-Ukwu in December 2024. After her initiation, members took turns greeting each other with three traditional back-handed salutes, using their hand fans (akupe) and the nza (horse tail). Following this, the titled men present greeted them in the same manner. This is an age-old practice.

When writer Chimamanda Adichie was honored by her Abba community with the title ‘Odeluwa Abba,’ Peter Obi, a prominent guest, was seen giving her the traditional three back-handed salute, which sparked considerable discussion online.

In a video from an event in Anambra State, Chief Uju Edochie, who holds the traditional title of Ada Eri, was seen wearing a red cap and boldly greeting the men with the same back-handed salute. Notably, there was no resistance to this, indicating acceptance from the titled chiefs.

Women like Ada Eri are regarded as Nne Nmonwu (mother of a masquerade), just like Ndi Iyom in Igboland. They are entitled to certain privileges that only men enjoy.

The practice of greeting titled women in this manner is gaining acceptance, although it varies from community to community. There is currently no universal agreement, but I believe that over time, this practice will become more widely embraced.

Is this tradition observed in your community?

Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D.
(Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri)