Myths of creation.

Igboland is awash with myths of creation. But the Nri myth has gained greater prominence, according to Chigere (2001), precipitating vast scholarly interests. He records that Nri has come to represent, not only a sacred place among the Igbo people. It plays the role of the Kingmaker, with “the general privilege of conferring royal and priestly titles and giving requisite ornaments to chiefs throughout” a large part of Igboland. Also Chigere notes that Nri has come to imply culture in Igboland: a lot of towns claim ancestry to Nri, and it’s prestigious to do so (Chigere 2001 p. 23). It’s a remarkable truth that Nri wields both spiritual and political influence in Igboland today.

However, Nri gives a very clear indication of what an ideal Igbo society is (and should be) – sacred, industrious, organized, choosing its own leaders with a mandate to do things for their community. Just as Nri signifies Igbo culture, every community in Igboland is an embodiment of that culture of the people. Every community is interconnected with other communities. And there’s a sense of pride associated with excellence. In fact, progress wins a lot of friends. When it happens, people from far and near shall show interest in studying the entity and its achievement.