Igbo Literature and Human Capital: Opportunities and Challenges
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Nkechinyere Nwokoye
Tags: 2025 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nkechinyere Nwokoye
Abstract
Creativity is a process of the mind articulating and giving room for its manifestation as skills, artifacts, crafts, books, writings etc. Creative skills have widened across globe and Igbo state is not left out. Artists in diverse genres have emerged thereby bringing to limelight the culture, politics, economy, agriculture and energy production of divergent populace meaning that literature mirrors the society. The writer searches out the subject matter within the experiences of society and these experiences are derive from socio-political and spiritual lives of the people that make up society. Igbo Literature is not divorced from the masses that make up Igbo society. The artist captures and account for the socio-political and cultural events and changes and how they affect the lives of people. So, there should be interaction between the literary creativity and the responsive audience The intersection of Igbo literature and human capital presents a unique platform for fostering cultural preservation, educational enrichment, and societal development within the Igbo community and beyond. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging Igbo literature to enhance human capital. Opportunities include the promotion of literacy and critical thinking skills, the enhancement of cultural identity and pride, and the potential for economic development through literary tourism and cultural industries however, there are obvious challenges ravaging the geometric growth of adequate literary works in Igbo creative domains. These challenges persist in the form of declining interest in indigenous literature, limited distribution channels, and insufficient governmental and institutional support. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper aims to highlight the critical role that Igbo literature can play in human capital development and propose sustainable strategies to overcome the existing challenges.
2 views