Despite the efforts of the then Nigerian government to annihilate Ndigbo's entrepreneurship ability after the Nigerian Civil war (1968-1970) as manifested by the seizure and forfeiture of Igbo's properties in some part of Nigeria “Abandoned Property” followed by the freezing of Ndigbo’s cash in bank and the subsequent crediting of Ndigbo's accounts with 20 pound flat irrespective of previous bank balance, Ndigbo bounced back in business and have build great business empires from nothing.
People wonder how this is possible. That people strategically prepared for death economically, against all odds, overcame all challenges and has once again taken the pride of place in Nigeria and global business arena. Igbo Kwenu!. I am proudly Igbo!. This not surprising because Ndigbo have special grace and favour from God Almighty Who has been the pillar of success of Ndigbo and has endowed Ndigbo with the following business and enterprising skills and qualities:
Courage: Nwafor Igbo obula was created to be courageous and ready to surmount every challenge in the pursuit of anything he sets out to accomplish (Agu bata ohia, ngwere awara oso). They are also very adventurous and ready to relocate to new places despite the inherent risks, as long as they can see opportunities. There is probably at least one Igbo man or woman in every country in the world.
Resilience: Ndigbo are driven by opportunities and capable summating challenges ( adighi oso mgabgbu, eje ogu), this makes Igbo’s very tough and flexible. The Igbo man will nurture his small business painstakingly taking risks and experimenting and innovating with different strategies until the business begins to boom and flourish.
Creativity: Aka na eme azu ogbe ngolongo. Igbo are creative and innovative and can improvised great things from nothing. During the Nigeriaan Civil War Ndigbo invented armored tanks and modular refineries. Today Ndigbo are building cars and fabricating spare parts and different machinery.
Support system: The onye aghala nwanne ya spirit of Ndigbo was second-to-non in the world, though, sadly this currently dwindling and all Igbo’s are encouraged to be their brother’s keeper as of the old. The culture of Ndigbo is to rally round each other to ensure that their successes. There are different types of Igbo unions, clubs and associations in every city and in every country where Ndigbo resides.
Apprentice System: Success in Entrepreneurship requires knowledge, mentorship and capital. The Igbo’s developed their own home grown system of entrepreneurship. This unique form of apprenticeship allows a male family member or community member to spend time and work with another family. During this period, the apprentice will learn the trade of his master and would also receive mentorship. At the end of the agreed period, the master will establish his apprentice; either by setting up a separate business for him, or giving him money or tools to earn a living. This system has helped to spread wealth from the rich to poor in Igbo communities; and many of the big Igbo business men of today went through this system.
I have presented you with just skills and qualities. Join us at Igboness.com and help promote and Igbo History, Culture, langaugae, business, event. Join the Igbo conversation and help Igbo’s success to the next level. #GodBlessNdigbo #Igboness
