Igbo Quest for the Good Life: A Determination to Create Basic Infrastructures and a Sustainable Environment
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Kelechi Cosmas Anyanwu
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 20:36 PM
Tags: Nigeria Owerri Federal University of Technology Imo State
Abstract
The phrase “Oso Ndu Agwu Ike” has been a major force driving the Igbo quest for the good life, particularly the need to provide social amenities in local communities and support the growth of a sustainable environment. Amidst difficult circumstances and daunting challenges, the Igbo have been able to develop their communities through self-help programs, luncheons, engagement with the diaspora, and securing government projects. Through these means, they have significantly succeeded in terms of good road networks, modern school buildings, health centers, and piped-borne water. Regarding environmental sustainability, Igbo communities have devised various farming techniques to sustain their farmlands and the natural environment, enacted laws against activities that could affect the environment, such as uncontrolled bush burning, and created recreational parks (ama egwuruegwu). This paper will show how the Igbos have worked hard to improve their wellbeing and environment, the lingering challenges, and the solution pathways. Drawing on all five Southeastern states of Nigeria, the study will also consider the positive influences that diaspora Igbos have had in their communities back home and how these impacts were shaped by their exposure to higher living standards abroad.
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